Aspects and Elements of Time
The element of time is found in many forms of art and media. There are different meanings depending on how time is used and its duration. Frames are a single moment in time, and depending on how long and what type of shot is used (close-up, medium, or long/wide shot), a scene or sequence can be constructed. Different shots can be used which can affect the relationship of each, whether they are similar as in graphic relationships, using distance as in spatial relationships, time as in temporal relationships or chronology, or rhythmic relationships using static and dynamic shots. Transitions are used to connect different scenes together in a narrative; the common ones are cut, fade, dissolve and cross fade, and a wipe. Comic books also employ transitions, such as action-to-action, subject-to-subject, scene-to-scene, non-sequiter, moment-to-moment, and aspect-to-aspect transitions. The six elements of time design are duration, tempo, intensity, scope, setting, and chronology. Duration covers the plot, story, and the actual running time of a film. Tempo affects the speed depicted within the film, visual book, and comic book. Events or performances can affect the intensity of the work, using emotion or just observation. The scope gives a viewpoint, where it can be limited to one scene or expanded to include multiple scenes to depict that they are happening at the same time. The setting is just as important when showing that time has passed or by taking us into the past by providing a window into it. Props and costumes help identify where and when the character is, as well as his or her age. The actor or character helps to give the setting more significance depending on where he or she is place, the angle of the shot, the lighting, and focus of the shot. Sound is used for the passage of time, serve as a filler between dialogue, used with a montage, communicate thoughts of a character, and herald the beginning of an event or finish with and event. Chronology shows the order of events that take place within the work, with each shot put together through editing.
