An editing technique that is often used today. The techniques is used to manipulate the passage of time without confusing the viewer, wherein the viewer trusts that no dramatically signifigant action occured during a time lapse.

For example: A man arrives at a house in an automobile. The camera establishes this action with a shot. Cut to his finger on the doorbell. Dramatically there is no need to show that he stepped out of a car, closed the car door and walked up to the front of the house, which is all safely assumed by the viewer and can be left out. The front door of the house opening is the first important scene including dialogue and is thus where the action picks up again with the next shot. Had he hesitated, or was tipsy and staggered from his car to the door, this would have constituted action with dramatic value that would likely be included in the shot.