How To Shoot A Conversation

The best way to shoot a conversation is simply to use the right shots, by using some of the shots it creates the  surroundings of the conversation and builds on making the shot more interesting because some people might get bored of simple dialogue. When filming a conversation usually there will be only one camera involved meaning that you would take 4 different shots, the master shot, character 1, character 2 etc. and pick up shots. when two cameras are involved though, you would only take two shots, the master shot and pick ups with one camera, and character 1, character 2 etc. with the other.

The master shot is the shot that would be the main part which focuses on both of the characters along with the surroundings and anything else that would be need in the shot. most of a conversation scene would use the master shot shots, but using the other shots give variety and makes it more interesting for the viewers. this example of an master is from the newly release film 'Looper' where the main character (Joe) is talking to his older self in a diner. In this situation they would film the of scene like this all in one take so that the have a main shot were they can then film and add extra shots in to it. Unlike many other master shots, this one is focusing on them at an angle almost like an over the shoulder shot.

The shot used in the scene is the character 1 shot, were it focuses on one of the particular characters as they speak or show some sort of emotion when spoken to. These scenes help to understand who is the one talking and focusing on the face of the person is a good way to show of the characters facial expresses which can lead to people think they are lying or are worried etc. This  particular film uses the character shot more effectively as it is also an over the shoulder shot, which is a very famous and well known way of putting variety in to a film, doing this also gives you the feeling of actually being there and being spoken to which can build up the tension when watching and understanding the film. The character 2 shot, is very similar as it uses all the same techniques including over the shoulder.

The final shot i want to include is the final part of the scene which is a pan shot. the pan shot goes across the diner as the older Joe drags Joe of over the table and knocks him out, although this shot is moving it does still  involve all the over shots such as, the over the shoulder shot at the start of the pan and the master shot of the two characters and the diner with all the over surroundings.this is a great shot and a brilliant shot to include in a conversation scene as it gives the final piece of variety which you can then move on with to different scenes in the film. another great thing about this scene and all the shots is that the 180-Degree rule never gets broken so it still gives the scene some structure so you don't get confused.