How Editing Manipulates Time

There are 3 different ways in which editing can manipulate time.

Time is expanded: This is where it is slower than real-time. For example you might have a fight sequence in a film that is shown in slow motion. This is just like a scene from 'Lock, Stock Poker Game' where the characters are seen drinking and generally having a good time. It can also be shown from different angles. A sequence like this that only took a few seconds in real time might take at least half a minute on video.

Real Time- This is where the time in the video is exactly the same as the time it was recorded in. An example of this is also in the film 'Lock, Stock Poker Game'. It shows a walk through of the scene without the recording being interrupted.

Time is Compressed: This is the more common way in which editing can manipulate time. Most feature films use this so that stories can be set over weeks, months, years etc. It still fits within a few hours of film time. An example of this can be seen when looking at the video compressed time 'Vancouver City'. You can see the city go from day to night.