The Ultimate Shot List Template

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Why we think this is the ultimate shot list template.

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There are a number of shot lists templates circulating online. We wanted to create a shot list template that helps you create a shot list quickly, using populated drop-downs.

Since our shot list template is in Google Drive, it has the added benefit of being easily shareable with your team. And it’s loaded with all the info that the director, 1st AD and script supervisor want to see.

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The strategy behind a well crafted shot list.

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Let’s assume you have a rockstar first assistant director (1st AD) that has already provided a preliminary shooting schedule to maximize your resources. Now it’s time to create a shot list. Shot lists are, in actuality, strategic documents. They provide a proposed shooting game plan for the day.

The first thing to do is break down individual scenes into set-ups. A new set-up is defined as any change to camera equipment or positioning. List your desired shots one-by-one and include the required equipment. Then refer to the script to make sure nothing important is missed in that scene. Re-order the set-ups until you find the most efficient way to shoot out the scene.

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[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” excerpt=”A great shot list is always present on a smooth shoot #filmmaking #cinematography #DOP via @StudioBinder “]A great shot list is always present on any smooth shoot.[/tweet_box]

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You can’t know what every department needs to prepare. Therefore, early communication with department keys is important in order to craft the most efficient game plan. Remember that the shot list is only a guide. Once you start shooting, all bets are off. Weather rarely cooperates, gear breaks or stops working, things take longer than estimated, people get ill or injured and the list goes on. However, the stronger the game plan (ie. shot list) the easier you can make adjustments as you go.

Here’s a video tutorial for creating a shot list.

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Shot List Pro Tip

It’s a good idea to create realistic or achievable shoot day. Rather than pack the shot list with every desired shot, include all the requirements for every scene. Then keep a secret shot list that you can reference anytime you are ahead and can grab extra shots, easily.

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Anatomy of a Shot List: The Essentials

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Scene Number

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Record the scene number in this section. Always include any attached letters, such as 12A.

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Set-up Number

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The set-up number identifies the unique set-up within the particular scene. The set-up portion of the shot number should increase anytime the set-up (camera angle, equipment or camera position) changes.

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Shot Number

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The shot number refers to the individual shots within a specific set-up. For example when the angle or shot size changes within a single set-up the shot number is increased.

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Subject

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The subject is the focus of the shot. Is it one character? A group of characters? A prop? The establishing shot? It’s important to know what is being specifically shot in any set-up, as a single scene can have multiple things happening. And if an actor isn’t out of make-up yet… you can move on to shots that don’t require them. For this reason, knowing who or what you are shooting is extremely helpful.

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Shot Size

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The shot size defines the size of the subject in the frame. Such as MS (medium shot), MCU (medium close-up), ELS (extreme long shot), OTS (over the shoulder), POV (point of view), the list goes on. And on. You can customize the list to include the shots you want to use. Over time your template will evolve to include your most used shots.

Here’s a video explanation of framing, camera angles, lenses and composition.

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Camera Angle

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The camera angle references the position of the camera in relation to the subject. Knowing the camera angle in advance informs departments to be prepared for the entire shot, so no time is lost.

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As you can see in the diagram above, terms like high, low and medium apply to the angle of the camera. If the angle will change during the take, you can phrase it as something like low-med-high, in the notes section which identifies a shot that the shot starts low, then moves to a med, and ends on a high angle.

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Movement

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Camera movement identifies any movements of the camera during the shot. Remember complicated camera movements are time consuming to set up so use them sparingly. Here’s a helpful breakdown of common camera movement.

Static: When the shot is locked off, the camera doesn’t pan, tilt, zoom or change in any way. Static shots are especially useful when creating visual effects in post.
Pan: When you rotate the camera horizontally from a fixed location.
Tilt: When you rotate the camera vertically from a fixed location.
Pedestal: When the camera is moved vertically up or down (without tilting).
Dolly: When you move the entire camera forwards and backwards along a track.
Truck: The same as dollying, only you are moving the entire camera from left to right instead of forward and backward.
Arc: Used in combo with dolly or truck to show a curve in the dolly track.
Steadicam: When the camera is stabilized using a special rig onto the body of a specialized operator.
Handheld: The camera is held by the operator without a stabilizer.
Crane or Boom: When you have a shot that starts extremely high and moves to a lower position or vice versa. Often used for overhead and establishing shots.
Zoom: When you zoom in or out of a subject.
Rack Focus: This is more a technique than a move. Rack focus is when the focus changes quickly from one subject to another in the same shot.

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Equipment

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Identify the equipment that will be supporting the camera (i.e. tripod, crane, dolly, etc) so you can anticipate the set up time for equipment changes. Treat camera equipment and lenses the same way — once the camera is set with specific equipment or lens, you’ll want to shoot as many set-ups with that gear before switching.

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Lens

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Multiple lenses are often swapped during a single scene. By adding your lens choices here, your DP and assistant camera team (ACs) can get prepared. Changing the lens constitutes a new set-up, and takes time to accomplish. Minimize set up time by grouping or ordering your shot list by lens within the scene.

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Sound

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Include the sound requirements in this section. Are your subjects using lavs? Is the shot covered by a boom? Is the shot MOS (without sound)? This is place to include the sound information for each set-up. If the sound is complex, discuss the specifics in notes.

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Set up Time

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Providing an accurate estimate for the set up time is crucial. For example, it takes longer to build the dolly or balance a steadicam than to set up a tripod. By breaking down set up times for every shot, you’ll develop a better understanding of the time costs associated with every shot and how to prioritize as needed.

Account for non-camera prep time, such as production design, lighting changes, makeup and wardrobe changes. But only if there nothing that can be shot while the prep occurs.

Remember that insert shots are often the easiest to shoot, requiring minimal talent, crew and gear. Factor them strategically into your shot list. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of insert shots on standby to keep shooting during downtime.

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Notes

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This section provides a place to write either a descriptive overview of the scene and/or specific notes about the shot or set-up.

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What’s the ✓ for?

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Like the take number, the first column is meant to be filled out on set. Once the shot is completed, just mark the row with the ✓.

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Shot List Pro Tip

Schedule your most complicated set-up and most emotional or difficult scenes for actors at the start of the day. These are not set-ups or scenes you want to rush through. It’s beneficial to cast and crew that they day gets easier instead of harder.

Sharing the Shot List.

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Once you have locked the shot list for the day, you can upload and share it to online file sharing sites like Dropbox, or production software like StudioBinder. If you’re using StudioBinder, you can create & send a call sheet to your crew, and attach the shot list to accompany it.

All departments benefit from a detailed shot list. It keeps everyone in the loop about where they are in the day, and what’s next. The more information you provide, the less time will be lost explaining what is about to happen.

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Download the Shot List Template

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Here’s the Ultimate Shot List Template, download it now. Click the button below. On the Google Sheets page, click the Make a Copy button to save it to your Google Drive.

And if managing and sharing your production files isn’t effortless. Sign up for StudioBinder to send, store and share your files today.

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Like this Post? Share it!

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[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” excerpt=”StudioBinder’s Shot List Template #Filmmaking #cinematography #cinematographer #DOP #shotlist via @StudioBinder “]StudioBinder’s ultimate shot list template.[/tweet_box]

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Wrapping Up

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And that’s the anatomy of a shot list! But why stop there. You can take your shot list a step further and incorporate a storyboard template as well. Storyboards are a great way to visual the project and lock your most important shots. Get a rundown on how to Find & Hire a Storyboard Artist, here.

Before you dive into the nitty gritty of creating a daily shot list, it’s important to holistically plan the entire production schedule out. Check out our popular pro tips article on 15 Ways Create a Better Shooting Schedule now.

Did we miss anything? Please leave your feedback or comments below!

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