What do cutaways typically help achieve in a video production?

Cutaways are an essential editing technique in video production that serve to add additional context or fill gaps within a scene. They typically involve inserting a shot that differs from the main action but is relevant to the primary subject or storyline. This technique can help to enhance the narrative by providing viewers with more information, such as showing reactions from characters, related objects, or environmental elements that contribute to the overarching story.

By using cutaways effectively, a filmmaker can enrich the viewing experience, improve storytelling fluidity, and maintain audience engagement. This is particularly useful during dialogue scenes, where a cutaway can prevent the viewer from losing interest in what might otherwise be a static shot. Additionally, cutaways can create a more dynamic pacing by breaking up long takes and allowing for smoother transitions.