Animation Shot List Template
Plan your animation shots
Creating a shot list for animation helps streamline the process, preventing costly pitfalls that can drain your resources, time, and creative energy.
We'll be breaking down the shot listing process using StudioBinder’s shot list software, but the steps apply to any method of shot listing, whether digitally or with a pen and paper.
Steps in this guide
Step 1
1. Read the Scene
Start by really immersing yourself in the script. This step is super important for grasping the narrative beats and emotional arcs that you’ll want to bring to life through animation. As you read, identify the key moments and transitions that shape each scene. Pay attention to how emotions flow and characters interact—this will guide your decision-making when it comes to shot choices.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Import a script or treatment to automatically turn scenes into shots within your shot list.
- Tag each line to create a new shot in the shot list.
Step 2
2. Consider the Shots
Once you have a good understanding of what the scene needs, it’s time to get creative with your shot choices. Consider how different camera angles, camera movements, and compositions can really boost the story.
This is especially important during character design; thinking about how characters will be framed and animated can help sharpen their look and interactions in the scene. Don't forget to play around with movement, timing, and color scheme to elevate the storytelling, making sure each frame supports the narrative.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Select from dozens of shot spec options camera movement, shot angle, shot size, subject, location, and more.
Step 3
3. Reference Images
Gather some visual references to help with your aesthetic choices. They can be super useful for environment design, giving you inspiration for color schemes, lighting, and mood. These references serve as a visual guide, keeping your style consistent across the animation and helping you maintain a cohesive visual language.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Add reference images from other animations or images directly within your StudioBinder shot listing software.
Step 4
4. Collaborate with Team Members
Get your creative team involved early on. Teaming up during pre-production is a great way to gather input from directors, animators, and storyboard artists. Sharing initial shot ideas can spark innovative concepts and help streamline the workflow, as everyone pitches in their thoughts on executing the visual story.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Share with a view-only link, and invite collaborators to work on this specific feature/page (not the entire project).
- Collaborate with clients and team members with the comment feature.
Step 5
5. Group for animatics
Instead of grouping into setups, utilize animatics to bring your storyboard to life. An animatic is a rough animated version of the storyboard, providing a clearer view of how timing, pacing, and transitions will work. This step bridges the gap between static images and full animation, highlighting areas that need refinement and helping to pre-emptively solve potential issues in the animation process.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Organize your shot list in a way that is most efficient for creating animatics.
Step 6
6. Print the Shot List
Once your shot list is complete, export it and provide copies to the team. Customize the format to cater to different departments, offering detailed versions for technical crew and more visual ones for creative leads. Having a tangible reference ensures that everyone is on the same page during production.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Generate customizable storyboard PDFs for a professional presentation with added security.
Step 7
7. Mark Shots as They Are Illustrated
As the storyboard or animatics are being illustrated, mark each shot off the list. This will help track progress, identify any missing shots, and keep everyone updated on what still needs to be completed. It also acts as a way to double-check that all crucial story points are visually represented in the animation.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Check off each shot as they are illustrated within StudioBinder’s shot list.
Conclusion
Animation shot list complete
A solid shot list is crucial in animation pre-production as it streamlines work for illustrators and animators while ensuring the visuals effectively support the story. Take time to read the script and consider different shot options, gathering references and collaborating with team members to bring your storyboard to life.
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