Shot Reverse Shot (Continuity Editing Technique)

Shot Reverse Shot

Shot Reverse shot is a continuity editing technique that is used to maintain flow. This technique is where there will be one shot then a different shot and then it will go back to the original shot.This technique is normally used during a conversation because it allows the audience to see both of the characters in separate shots as they speak which maintains flow. One shot could be used to film the whole conversation, but, it would have to be a 2 shot possibly from the side. Whereas, using shot reverse shot allows that audience to see the characters at a closer distances which means that facial expression is more obvious. Additionally, it is better to use a shot reverse shot rather than one long shot because it makes it easier for the audience to follow who is speaking and it gives more flow to the sequence. Furthermore, when using a shot reverse shot the characters reaction to what is being said is just as important as the person that is speaking so when using the shot reverse shot there should be some shots that show characters reactions.

To help explain the shot reverse shot technique I have got a diagram. The diagram shows how a shot reverse shot sequence would work. It shows that when using the shot reverse shot you must make sure that you follow the 180 degree rule because it is normally used when two characters are engaged in conversation. The diagram shows 3 camera angles that could be used for the shot reverse shot. There are two shots that are over the shoulder one being over the shoulder of the dark haired man (C) and the other being an over the shoulder of the light coloured hair man (A). Additionally, there is a long shot, two shot that shows both characters and this shot would be used to help establish where the characters are (B). The shot reverse shot will be created in editing and the to create the shot reverse shot the editor will take shot A and shot C and will edit put them together to fit when they are speaking or when one character reacts to what the other has said. For example, during this sequence character 1 (light hair man) speaks then character 2 (dark haired man) speaks and then character 1 reacts to what character 2 has said. The shots for this sequence would be C, A, C which is shot reverse shot.

A good example of shot reverse shot is from the Hard Eight. It starts in a diner with two male

characters having a conversation. This is the standard way to use the shot reverse shot technique, but, it is still effective. During this sequence there is one shot which is an over the shoulder shot that looks towards one of the male characters. Then it switches to an over the shoulder shot looking at the other male character while he is speaking. After this it goes back to the original shot hence why it is shot reverse shot because the the audience see the original shot then a shot that show the other perspective of the conversation then it switches back to the original shot. The use of an over the shoulder shot in this sequences allows the audience to see the facial expression of both characters as they are talking. 

By Sam Swinson