A free Shot List Template that you can download Make a Filmmaking Shot List That Wows | Blog

Nov 14, 2023

 What's the shot list?

A shot list is a guide which provides (and provides) all of the sequences that have to be recorded during the production. There's not a single way to go about the task and every production will have different shot lists, with varying degrees of intricacy.

The basic idea behind your list of shots includes every minute detail that will help your film have the sense of direction and efficiency. Don't leave any stone left unturned.

 Can I have a shooting list format?

Yes, of course! Our shot list is available in four distinct formats:

Shot List Example - Google Sheets

With dropdown lists, and automatic pop-up magic We recommend this one as it's most reliable and efficient out of three different versions. Go to File > Make An Copy to create a copy that you can use as a reference.

Shot List Example - Excel

Simple, minimal and right to the point. This format is great to organize your thoughts during an eventful, multi-location day. This format doesn't have print use, so you should use this on your phone or tablet.

Shot List Template - Microsoft Word

Ah, Word. Always a classic. There are no dropdown menus, or automatic calculation figures are offered with this edition. Every requirement must be entered manually. Different formatting styles may be used on different platforms and Word versions.

Shot List Template - PDF

Now, what do we do? If you're still here, let's dive a bit deep into shot lists, and learn ways to use the lists to your advantage.

The case for storyboarding

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We know that you're excited over the templates for shot lists. But, before you get going, it may be helpful to create the storyboard. It is an excellent technique to visualize the main images that will propel the plot forward. Make use of your storyboard to act as a springboard and create your list of shots around the anchor areas. It's true that you're not Walt Disney, but he's no longer around, so it's likely that you're much better when it comes to drawing.

How to prepare a shot-list?

In, we make an outline of shots for every shooting day, but you could also make use from a single list. Determine how you would like to arrange your day and then go from there.

Two parts are involved in this procedure.

  1. The first part is picking and planning your photos with your director of photography.
  2. Another aspect is planning (and the scheduling of) those shoots. The templates above can be used to do both.

Pro Tip:Keep in mind that typically you shoot out of the order. The list of shots you're making must be grouped by factors like the location, lighting as well as whether you're shooting indoors or outdoor.

Let's say your actors are at a coffee shop during the first part of your film, then they end up at the hospital. At the conclusion of the film, they're in the cafe again (personally, I wouldn't go back to a cafe that put me in a hospital however, it's true). It's best to film both coffee shop scenes at the same time. Remember these locations repeatedly in mind while grouping your shots!

 Essential list of video shots concepts starting with A-Z

Even if you decide you'll create your own shot list and do not follow our template for a shot list (no no regrets) This glossary will offer up 13 essentials to include in your shot list for any type of project.

1. Scene

The scene's number is here. Simple!

2. Shot

The shot you take is not as simple however it is vital. Each angle can be a unique shot. If you're shooting a wide shot of two people sitting in a café it's scene 1. Shot A (1A). Next, is an over-the-shoulder shot of one of the people at the table, that's 1B. Your next shot is a medium-sized shot of in front of the cafe which is 2A. You advanced the scene, and restarted the counter for your shot.

Pro advice: The letters "I" and "L" are frequently skipped due to their close relationship to the number 1 (and with each other). Another pro tip is: If during your shoot, you decide to add an image that's not in your schedule, you can add the shot with a lowercase "i" (e.g. 2Ai). This indicates "insert shot" which wasn't in your list.

3. Shot Type

4. Moving

In this photo Is the camera still and/or does it move? If it moves then what kind of motion?

5. Gear

This column is where lens names are usually listed (if you're using several of lenses in your film) However, feel free to include necessary gear specifically for the shot you're shooting.

6. Location

This is where the shooting is taking place. If you're shooting across different areas within the coffee shop, be specific about "Coffee shop, corner table," "Coffee shop counter" and so on.

7. EXT / INT

Are you shooting an exterior or interior photograph? Is it at day (AM) or night (PM)?

8. Sound

9. Notes

This is where you explain the action of your scene or camera movements in more depth. Example "Camera follows Jack taking his coffee off the counter and to the dining table."

10. Cast or Talent

Who's on the photo? Are they famous? Can we get an autograph?

11. Time to Set-up

Note the estimated time it'll take to set up or restart the scene.

12. Shoot Time

Here you want to get the time that it'll require to finish your shot. For instance, let's say that the shot is 15 seconds long. you believe it'll take four shots in order for it to be perfect. Give 60 seconds (15 times 4).

13. Total Time

Total time works exactly like it sounds: your setup timing + the time of your shoot to give you a rough idea of how much time this total shot will require. This is essential for planning the days of your shoot.

The last point

The shot list you create must be effective for you. Meaning, there's no right or wrong approach to creating the ideal shot list. Incorporate any information you believe is beneficial to your project Feel liberated to change or eliminate requirements as you like.

Most frequently requested questions

    What's a shot-list template?

You're getting a real treat. Shot list templates are an editable, downloadable list of shots that you can customize for the film you want to make. Any of these are templates for shot lists that you could use right now: Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PDF.                     What's first? storyboard or shot list?    

It is recommended to first storyboard, but based on the specific task, the storyboard and shot list are able to coexist together. The storyboard can help you envision your scene while the shot list hammers out the details such as shot types, gear you need and the location of your shoot.                     What should be included in your shot list?

If you're looking to expand your horizons you can reel the reel in (get it?) in order to make sure your shooting schedule can maximize efficiency and be the perfect at-a-glance companion to the next day of shooting. In the list, include information about which crew members must attend to (both both on and off the camera), gear, exterior or indoor set-ups, the scene you're shooting and a description of the action, shoot time, total duration, etc.

Making everything work

Your shot list can be (inevitably) the living, breathing document -- so you have to be comfortable with things going oh-so-wrong. It is possible to be completely out of order on shoot day. There are the possibility of unexpected snags with crew members or Mother Nature. In any case, you're still not married to your shot list.

Utilize your shot lists to guide you But don't be scared to experiment and see what happens.

    Want more videography resources? Start by taking a class at Video School.