What does the term "cross-cutting" mean in film editing?

The term "cross-cutting" in film editing refers to the technique of alternating between two or more scenes or storylines to create a sense of parallel action or to build suspense. This method allows filmmakers to juxtapose different events occurring simultaneously, which can enhance the narrative complexity and emotional impact of the film. By showing multiple perspectives or timelines, cross-cutting helps to keep the audience engaged and can deepen their understanding of the characters' motivations or the story's stakes.

In contrast, cutting a scene into multiple segments refers to breaking down the scene itself but does not imply the interweaving of different scenes. Editing out unnecessary content is more about streamlining the narrative rather than creating dynamic parallels, and creating a musical score is unrelated to the visual editing techniques of film. Therefore, the concept of cross-cutting is specifically about the interplay between different scenes or plots, making the provided answer the most accurate in capturing the essence of the term in the context of film editing.