fastmotion

Fast motion is a video technique in which on-screen action is presented at a faster-than-real-time playback rate. It is used to condense long processes, convey urgency, or create comedic or narrative effects. It is distinct from slow motion, which reduces speed, and from time-lapse, which records at extended intervals and often requires a separate shooting approach.

Implementation can occur at capture or editing stages. In post-production, editors increase clip speed by a ratio or percentage (for example 2x, 4x, 8x). Some workflows include frame interpolation or motion-blur adjustments to smooth extremely fast sequences, though excessive speed can produce choppiness or visual artifacts. When shooting for fast motion, creators may rely on a higher frame rate or a longer-than-normal exposure, but digital speed adjustments in post are the most common method.

Common applications include montages that cover long periods, sports highlights, instructional demonstrations, travel or cooking videos, and nature sequences that show processes such as plant growth or crowds moving rapidly. Fast motion is often contrasted with time-lapse, which captures data at long intervals and then plays back at normal speed, yielding a different aesthetic.

In practice, the choice of speed depends on the desired effect and viewer comfort. Subtle speed increases can accelerate routine actions without drawing attention to the technique, while drastic speeds heighten drama or humor. Advances in editing software and motion interpolation have expanded the range of achievable fast-motion looks while raising considerations about motion smoothness and exposure.