There is provided herein a system and method for automatically aligning audio and video tracks of a multimedia work, wherein in one preferred embodiment change points or "markers" are located in the accompanying audio work and then transitions are constructed around "breaks" or discontinuities in the video work to match the audio markers. This produces the impression that the audio and video tracks are in synchronization. In another preferred embodiment, video clips around the audio markers are shortened or lengthened according to predetermined rules to cause the video work to be aligned with the audio work.