Music Video Shot List Template
Design your music video shot list
Music video production is a creative and complex process that mixes artistic vision with technical skills. It aims to capture the essence of a song through storytelling visually. Success relies on careful planning which includes crafting a shot list.
In this guide, we'll be using StudioBinder’s shot list software, but each step is universal and can be applied no matter your method of shot listing.
Steps in this guide
Step 1
1. Read the Treatment or Script
Start by reading and analyzing the music video’s treatment or script. This source material lays out the vision, style, and story flow, helping you spot the key scenes and moments to capture. This insight will help you create your shot list.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Import a script or treatment to automatically turn scenes into storyboards.
- Tag each line to create a new panel in the storyboard.
Step 2
2. Consider the Shots
Think about the types of shots that will really bring out the story and vibe of the music video. Would a close-up be more powerful, or would a wide shot better capture the energy of the performance? What camera movements can amp up the visuals and add some dynamics? Keep in mind the song's pacing, rhythm, and tempo, and how your shots can complement that.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Select from dozens of shot spec options, lens, shot angle, shot size, subject, location, and more.
Pro Tip — Grab some reference images from other music videos or movies that match the visual style you want to create. These reference images can spark inspiration and help steer the artistic direction of your shot list.
Step 3
3. Collaborate
Connect with cinematographers or assistant directors (ADs) by inviting them to check out and add to the shot list. Their expertise can offer great insights, and their feedback helps make sure the technical and artistic sides of the video are in sync.
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 4
4. Make a Floorplan
A floor plan lays out the shooting location clearly, so the crew knows exactly where to set up each shot. This cuts down on confusion and saves time. Plus, it helps with planning camera angles and movements, making sure everyone and everything is in the right spot for the best shooting conditions.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Upload floor plan images directly to your shot list.
- Use a webcam to scan and adjust the image within the app.
Step 5
5. Group into Setups
Grouping shots into setups is key for keeping things efficient on set. Team up with the DP and AD to think about the schedule, lighting, and location. This pre-planning ensures the smoothest shooting possible, saving time and avoiding mistakes.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Organize your shot list in a way that is most efficient for shooting.
Step 6
6. Print It
Export your finalized shot list as a PDF. Print a few copies to hand out to crew members, so everyone stays on the same page. This can also be a backup plan in case technology fails on the day of shooting. Having physical copies ensures everyone knows what shots are needed and helps keep things organized.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Generate customizable storyboard PDFs for a professional presentation.
Step 7
7. Mark Shots as You Complete Them
On set, make sure to mark off shots as you complete them to keep track of progress. Use your shot list software to update the shot list in real time. If you happen to miss any shots, jot them down for future pickups. Script supervisors can help with this tracking to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Check off each shot as you capture within the StudioBinder app.
Conclusion
Music Video Shot List Complete
A detailed shot list is key for a successful music video. It serves as a blueprint to capture scenes accurately, streamline the workflow, improve team communication, ensure a cohesive look, and enhance storytelling.
This shot list template is just one of several options you can choose from. Take a look at our Shot List Templates page to explore the full collection.
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