Most edits use "straight" cuts, keeping video clips linked to their accompanying audio so the image and sound begin and end together. Most of the time this is fine, but occasionally you may want to mix things up by unlinking (or splitting) the audio and video so that they begin and/or end at different times. This creates what's known as a "sound bridge" or an "L-cut." Sound bridges create one of two effects: either 1) the video from the incoming clip leads the audio, or 2) the audio from the incoming clip leads its video.
Video Leads Audio
Imagine a scene where a couple is having a heated argument. As the sound of their harsh words continues, we cut to a sequence of shots of the man driving away in the rain, dazed and lost in his thoughts. As he drives, the sound of the argument continues until it is abruptly interrupted by the honking horn of another driver that brings the man back to reality, and re-syncs the soundtrack.
Audio Leads Video
In another scene a boy sits, bored, in a classroom, daydreaming while his teacher lectures about the lessons of past wars. While we see the teacher lecturing, the sound of his voice is replaced by the sounds of a battlefield, then we cut to the same boy, a few years later, in combat.
As you watch TV programs or movies this week, look and listen for this technique. Once you are aware of it, you will begin to notice it in the shows you watch.
As with all special video devices, this technique should be used sparingly and with restraint. If it is overused, it will become a distraction to your viewers, BUT you will find that, when it is employed at the right time, the L-cut/sound bridge can be a powerful tool for visual storytelling.
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