Two-Character Dialogue
Chapter 15 describes and illustrates using storyboards the basics of blocking and shooting two-character dialogue. Whether characters are standing, seated, or walking, conversations cut better when shots are designed to mirror each other and to maintain consistent screen geography. The geometry that arises from the positions, heights, and movement of characters is the basis of determining camera placement for proper matching and continuity editing. Several common configurations of characters are explored, including face to face, side by side, and walking. Standard templates of shots to cover conversations are presented. Several commonly used blocking techniques for getting two characters into and out of position for their dialogue are described and illustrated.