What is a cut-in in broadcast editing?

• A. A close-up of a detail or reaction inserted into the main shot
• B. A visual transition between scenes with a wipe
• C. A full-screen graphic only
• D. An ambient sound bed

Answer: (A)

A cut-in is an insert shot: a close-up of a detail or a reaction brought into the main shot to highlight something specific without breaking the action. This technique helps viewers notice elements the wider shot might miss, such as a clock ticking, a hand gesture, or a speaker’s facial reaction, while the scene continues. It’s not about transitioning between scenes (that would be a wipe), nor is it a full-screen graphic, nor an audio bed. So the option describing a close-up of a detail or reaction inserted into the main shot best captures what a cut-in is.