Editing grammar & transitions · Working
Parallel editing
Also called: cross-cutting
ELI5
Alternating between separate lines of action to build relationship, contrast or tension.
Used in conversation
“The current cut needs a clearer decision about the parallel editing.”
Pitch context
Use this when explaining how the story works on the page or across the finished screen experience.
Why it matters: Explains how recorded material becomes a finished, approved and technically deliverable work.
Connected terms
- Cross-cuttingThe search label “Parallel editing” can route to both entries.
- IntercuttingThe search label “Cross-cutting” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 7
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Screen Australia — Story Documents: DramaDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Scriptnotes / John August — Pitching Television, or Being a Passionate WidgetDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-14
- Writers Guild of America West — No Writing Left BehindDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Blackmagic Design — DaVinci Resolve Reference ManualSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / ACES — ACES Glossary and User GuidesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Netflix — Partner Help Center Delivery SpecificationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- European Broadcasting Union — EBU R 128 Loudness Normalisation and Permitted Maximum Level of Audio SignalsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14