Shot-Reverse Shot: Techniques to Improve Dialogue Scenes

As a filmmaker it's important to think critically as you watch other movies and TV shows. Really take the time to examine what you see on screen. Don't let the visuals was over you. Consider why directors make certain choices, and think about how these choices convey information about story and character.
One of the things to look for is how a director shoots a dialogue scene, Shot/reverse shot is a trait common among every film or TV show and yet the audience can still learn a lot about tone, themes, story, and character just by observing the composition of these shots.
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[@itsdan4u]

beautifully explained. thank you!

[@carlosrodriguesoficial]

Thanks for the knowledge! I appreciate it

[@irfanriyaz5528]

Helpful,sir Hope more contents will come

[@willtobias5280]

Really cool succinct look at the topic, helpful, thanks!

[@DarenYoong]

Very valuable insights for someone who is new to filmmaking. Love Every Frame a Painting too. Subscribed!

[@ClintTill]

Yes, I hate it that Every Frame a Painting stopped making new videos. They were fantastic.

[@richardbeasley9084]

Nice presentation.

[@anthonylaudati]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@BenEncounters]

It doesn't make any sense your video doesn't have way more views. Very valuable information Clint!

[@ClintTill]

I appreciate it. I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@BenEncounters]

@@ClintTill Definitely, I actually have a documentary project with spontaneous encounters for which I want to apply the best shot-reverse shot possible!

[@cmman4u]

Really love to see more such videos. It was really great learning

[@ClintTill]

Thanks. I'm really glad you found it helpful. I'm trying to get back into a routine of posting a new video every 2 weeks.

[@Solveiga555]

Absolutely love this video! Currently working on my short film, and this is definitely going to my 'Saved' folder :)

[@ClintTill]

That’s great. Thank you so much. Best of luck on your short film

[@hazelferns2552]

Thank you Clint... very valuable ❤

[@ClintTill]

So glad you liked it

[@Sean__B]

Clint this is a great video. Short and to the point. I’m a budding director and this video and your style are perfect.

[@ClintTill]

Thank you!

[@kendrafuller1454]

Awesome thanks for the tips, you look great 👍

[@ClintTill]

Thank you!

[@bhushansapkal8310]

Truly Helpful, thank you.

[@ClintTill]

You’re welcome. Glad you watched

[@AmbientFire]

This is a great video with some great examples - I like the overview nature of the video, you keep it educational but “snappy”, while providing sources for further research. Good stuff. With what I’ve learned from your video, should I infer that you are slightly off-beat/quirky?

[@ClintTill]

Haha, I don't know that I would describe myself as off-beat or quirky. Thanks so much for watching and for commenting.

[@S9universe]

GOLD

[@user-cz2si3sw9i]

Awesome!!

[@ClintTill]

Thank you! Glad you found my channel

[@itsdan4u]

you should definitely be making more content!

[@ClintTill]

Thanks. I'm trying to get back into a regular routine of posting new videos and responding to comments.

[@sanyaolumichael6229]

Please how do you achieve a reverse shot with a camera or editing because I'm new into this and I want to get better. I'm still using a phone for now

[@ClintTill]

Getting a reverse shot on set requires a secondary camera and lighting setup. So, for example, you would first setup your shot for Actor #1 and run through the scene. Then you will need to move the camera and lighting to set up a shot for Actor #2 to capture his/her dialogue. While editing, you can simply cut between the two angles, finding the best takes and the best reactions from each actor.

[@Nicksonian]

Shot-reverse shot is vastly overdone. It’s frequently employed by directors who think constant fast cuts and shaky, er, I mean hand-held is edgy and modern. Interesting how older films made by directors who weren’t afraid of the two-shot are more satisfying and less distracting. We need more directors who don’t get in the way just to prove how “creative” they are.

[@ClintTill]

I agree. I enjoy dialogue scenes that employ a combination of camera and actor movement to create a more visually interesting scene than two people who are just locked down and talking to one another.

[@abhinav1025]

It's really tedious to watch conversation with these shots. Ensemble shots are still best as they show everything going on the frame.

[@ElectricLabel]

Nothing is less interesting than shot/reverse shot dialogue scenes. Do something else, or just don't make films. We don't ever need to see another scene like that.