What Is It?
Shot/Reverse shot is a classic way to shoot a conversation between two people. It is when a conversation is showing each character from over the other's shoulder, before switching to the other character. It is done to show facial expression and is often shot in midshot to give a full shot of each character's upper half.
The video below shows how shot/reverse shot is used, through showing two characters having a very short conversation.
How Is It Done?
The sequence is shot in a very simple way, but requires good timing. Usually, both characters will sit down and the camera will be set up behind one of them, looking over the shoulder as is traditional for this type of shot. This character will then say all of his or her lines, with gaps in between. For example:
"Hey!...How are you?...Yeah, me too...Well, I'll see you later...Good luck!".
The same will then happen with the other character, with the camera viewing from the opposite character's shoulder.
"Hello!...Tired! You?...Oh shoot, I gotta go!...See you after the competition!".
Then, in editing, the conversations will be split up into separate clips and organised into chronological order, so that each gap has a response to the previous statement in it.
These clips are then merged again into making the clip flow properly, showing a conversational twoshot from over each shoulder.
Why Is It Done?
This type of shot is typical of twoshot conversations, as it allows the audience to see the full facial expression of the character, and gives the impression of looking at each character as though they are talking to him or her. It also allows the viewer to see the upper torso, meaning they can grasp the character a little better through clothing choices or distinctive body types.
Therefore, this shot is done to best portray conversation without looking foolish or clumsy.
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