The Filmmaker's Eye

two shot

As its name implies, the two shot includes two characters in the same composition. Two shots are usually accomplished using medium long, medium, and medium close ups, although any shot that features two characters can also technically be called a two shot. An extremely common use of the two shot is as a master shot for covering a conversation between two characters, either by itself or in coordination with other shots of various sizes, designed to shape the dramatic arc of the exchange. The blocking of the characters in a two shot can make a vivid narrative point about the dynamics of their relationship; this is true of any shot that includes multiple characters, like group shots, but it is particularly important for two shots, because ...