shot reverse shot

Shot Reverse Shot

Shot reverse shot is an editing technique that uses multiple shots edited together which shows both sides of a conversation and it alternates between the characters. This technique usually happens between the dialog of two characters. This can be made by an over the shoulder shot or from a long distance. 

This editing technique also gives the viewers a sense of the surrounding that the character's are in and possibly the distance between the two characters. 

To make this shot there are usually 3 cameras that are involved. A camera which is placed behind both of the characters and another camera that is a wide or medium shot of both of the character. This also intertwines with the 180 degree rule to retain continuity. It does this by not distorting the viewers sense of location of the characters between the different shots.   

Also it is normally filmed at eye level which will immerse the viewers s that they feel involved with the dialog between the characters. Furthermore, produces have now found ways of dramatically enhancing shot reverse shot angles this makes it more stylistic and makes it seem more pronounced. 

Here are some examples

of this editing technique:

1. 'Friends' 
This scene starts of with an establish shot therefore, we as the viewers can have a clear perception of the location of the two characters and the distance is clearly shown between them. Some of the shots are from over the shoulder however, this camera angle alternates because in some other shots the shoulder is not shown. I think that this was a good technique to use specifically in this scene because of the comedy aspect of it therefore, we get to see this emotion in the facial expression of the character. 

2. 'Kingsman The Secret Service' 











My Shot/ Reverse Shot
This is my short video using a shot/ reverse shot technique. I chose to have the camera angle over the shoulder so it gave an insight to the perspective of the characters and how much distance was in-between them. I also used an establish shot in the begin to give the viewers a sense of the surrounding location.