Performing Arts Skills

Creating A Shot List For Your Film Or Video Project




A shot list is an important tool that helps you plan, organize, and execute your shoot efficiently.

1. What Is a Shot List?

A shot list is a detailed plan of every camera shot needed to capture a scene. It includes the type of shot, camera angle, lens, movement, and any specific notes about the scene.

2. Benefits of a Shot List

  • Ensures all shots are captured during production.
  • Saves time on set by organizing shots in a logical order.
  • Helps communicate your vision to the crew (director, cinematographer, etc.).
  • Keeps the shoot within budget and schedule.

3. Key Elements of a Shot List

| Element | Description |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Shot Number | Unique identifier for each shot. |
| Scene Number | Corresponds to the scene in the script. |
| Shot Type | E.g., close-up (CU), wide shot (WS), over-the-shoulder (OTS), etc. |
| Camera Angle | High angle, low angle, eye level, etc. |
| Lens/Framing | Specific framing or lens details (e.g., 50mm lens, medium shot). |
| Movement | Any camera movement (e.g., pan, tilt, dolly, handheld). |
| Duration | Estimated length of the shot. |
| Description/Notes | Action happening in the shot, dialogue, or special effects. |
| Lighting/Setup | Notes on lighting conditions or equipment needed for the shot. |

4. Steps to Create a Shot List

Step 1: Read and Break Down the Script

  • Read the script thoroughly to understand each scene's emotional tone, action, and dialogue.
  • Identify the essential moments you want to highlight visually.

Step 2: Organize the Shots by Scene

  • Break the script into scenes.
  • For each scene, decide how you’ll visually tell the story.

Step 3: Define Shot Types

Common Shot Types:

  1. Wide Shot (WS): Establishes the environment or scene.
  2. Medium Shot (MS): Focuses on the subject while showing some background.
  3. Close-Up (CU): Emphasizes facial expressions or details.
  4. Over-the-Shoulder (OTS): Shows the perspective of one character looking at another.
  5. Insert Shot: Focus on a specific object (e.g., phone, book).
  6. Tracking Shot: Follows the subject’s movement.

Step 4: Add Camera Angles and Movements

Camera Angles:

  • Eye Level: Neutral perspective.
  • High Angle: Makes the subject look smaller or vulnerable.
  • Low Angle: Makes the subject look larger or dominant.

Camera Movements:

  • Dolly In/Out: Moves the camera closer or farther from the subject.
  • Pan: Rotates the camera horizontally.
  • Tilt: Moves the camera vertically.

Step 5: Include Notes for the Crew

  • Add details like special lighting setups, props, or special effects.
  • Mention specific actor actions or timing cues.

5. Example Shot List

Scene Description: A Character Enters a Café and Meets a Friend

| Shot # | Scene # | Shot Type | Camera Angle | Movement | Description/Notes | Duration |
|------------|-------------|-----------------|---------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------|--------------|
| 1 | 1 | Wide Shot (WS) | Eye Level | Static | Establish the café setting, busy with people. | 5 seconds |
| 2 | 1 | Medium Shot (MS)| Over-the-Shoulder | Handheld | Character enters, door swings open. | 8 seconds |
| 3 | 1 | Close-Up (CU) | Eye Level | Static | Character’s hand pushes open the door. | 3 seconds |
| 4 | 1 | Medium Shot (MS)| Eye Level | Dolly In | Tracks character walking to a table. | 7 seconds |
| 5 | 1 | Two-Shot | Low Angle | Static | Both characters sit and greet each other. | 10 seconds |
| 6 | 1 | Insert Shot | Overhead | Static | Coffee cups on the table clinking. | 4 seconds |

6. Tips for Creating a Shot List

  1. Group Similar Shots:

  2. Group all shots requiring the same camera setup or location to minimize setup time.

  3. Prioritize Essential Shots:

  4. Identify “must-have” shots and mark them as high priority.

  5. Use Visual References:

  6. Sketch storyboards or use reference images to visualize complex shots.

  7. Be Flexible:

  8. A shot list is a guide, not a rigid plan. Allow room for creativity or changes on set.

7. Tools for Shot Listing

  1. StudioBinder: Create detailed shot lists with camera settings and visuals.
  2. Celtx: Pre-production software with shot listing features.
  3. Google Sheets/Excel: Use a spreadsheet to organize and share shot details.

8. Sample Template for a Shot List (Google Sheets/Excel)

| Shot # | Scene # | Shot Type | Camera Angle | Movement | Lens/Framing | Description | Duration | Notes |
|------------|-------------|---------------|------------------|--------------|------------------|------------------------------------|--------------|----------------------------|
| 1 | 1 | Wide Shot | Eye Level | Static | 24mm Wide Lens | Establish the café environment. | 5 seconds | Natural lighting preferred.|
| 2 | 1 | Close-Up | High Angle | Tilt Down | 50mm Prime Lens | Close-up of character’s hand. | 3 seconds | Use shallow depth of field.|

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