Video Editing Tip: Time Manipulation

The problem with movies, and perhaps, also, the greatest thing about them, is you just can't show everything that happens to your character. It would take too long, and be extremely boring. So how does one go about editing out the unnecessary content? By manipulating time to your liking. One way to portray a passage of time without taking a lot of time to show it is with the use of cross-dissolves. A commonly used application of this technique is the long walk on a deserted road. This is usually a wide shot of the character, way off in the distance, walking towards the camera. As an editor, you could allow this scene to play in its entirety, with the character taking the ten minutes to actually walk to the camera. However, since this would be agonizingly boring to watch, it's a perfect time to add some cross dissolves. Start by establishing the scene, and allow the character to walk for about five seconds. Using a cross-dissolve transition, cut to a part of the footage where the character is closer to the camera, maybe half the distance or so. Again, allow the character to walk for about 5 seconds. Use another cross-dissolve and cut to a point where the character has reached the camera, but continues walking. This will give the impression that your character just walked the entire stretch of road, without the viewer having to watch the whole trek. There are many ways to you can use this technique and other time manipulation techniques, such as a montage or time-lapse. So, be creative in your editing and remember, as an editor, time is always on your side. For more ideas on how to manipulate time in your video check out Timeline: Time Control. Interested in more tips on video editing? Sign up for Videomaker's free Video Editing Course. This free tip series is designed to help you improve your video production skills, fast. Learn More.