What we see in a film isn’t just determined by the actors on screen, the direction behind the camera, and the places they chose to shoot. So much of a story can be influenced in such subtle ways that it’s incredibly hard to notice them. When done correctly, all these subtle things that go into a film to help make the final product the best it can be are almost trying to be imperceptible. RocketJump Film School’s latest video, although aimed to mainly teach, has the ability to open our eyes to some amazing things in film.

You don’t have to be an aspiring filmmaker to get something out of RocketJump’s Film School YouTube channel. Sure, the videos they put out are extremely educational for anyone looking to learn a bit more about how films are made but their videos can leave you with a new appreciation of the craft. Their video, Cuts & Transitions 101, is about – well, we’re sure you can guess – and is filled to the brim with some of their favorite film techniques.

Director and editor Joey Scoma explains some cuts and transitions in film using some striking examples for each. What’s eye-opening as a viewer is how often we take the way something is cut for granted. From seemingly simple ones like jump cuts, match cuts, fade ins, fade outs, and smash cuts to the lesser noticed – yet more impactful – things like L and J cuts. Using examples from The Graduate, Fight Club, Mad Max: Fury Road, Adaptation, and Gladiator – Scoma shows us that when combined these cuts and transitions can make for some really beautiful scenes.

Really. Beautiful. Scenes.

What are your favorite examples of the cuts showcased in the video? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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HT: IndieWire
Image: Columbia Pictures