Downloadable and free shot list templates Create a Filmmaking Shot List That Wows | Blog
What's the shot list?
Shot lists provide an outline that lists (and describes) all of the scenes that must be filmed during production. There's no standard best way to do it and different productions will have different shot lists, with varying degrees of intricacy.
The basic idea behind your list of shots is a checklist filled with all the minute details that'll help your film have a sense of direction and efficiency. Leave no scratch left unturned.
Do I need a Shot list templates?
Sure! The shot list we use is available in four different formats:
Shot List Example - Google Sheets
Fully equipped with dropdown lists as well as auto-populating It is recommended to use this as it's the most reliable and efficient of the three versions. Choose File > Create The Copy to generate a version that you can use as a reference.
Shot List Example - Excel
The format is simple, minimalist and straight to the point. This format is great to keep your thoughts organized on an eventful, multi-location day. It's not formatted for print compatibility so it's best to make use of this format on your phone or tablet.
Shot List Template - Microsoft Word
Ah, Word. A classic. The dropdown menus and auto-calculating numbers are available for this release. All criteria needs to be manually entered. Different formatting styles may be used on different platforms and Word versions.
Shot List Template - PDF
So, now what? If you're still with us Let's go deeper into shot lists and discover ways to utilize these lists to your advantage.
An argument for the art of storyboarding
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OK, we know you're excited over the shot list templates. Before you can get started, it might be beneficial to create a storyboard. The art of storyboarding can be a fantastic technique to visualize the main scenes that propel your story ahead. Make use of your storyboard as a springboard, and make your own shot list based on those anchor points. It's true that you're not Walt Disney, but he's gone, and it's likely that you're much better in drawing right now.
How do you make a shot list
At , we create the shot lists for each shooting day. However, it is also possible to work off of a larger list. Choose the way you'd like to organize and go to the next step.
There are two components to this process.
- The first part is picking the shots and collaborating together with the photographer's director.
- Another aspect is organizing (and the scheduling of) the shooting sessions. These templates allow you to accomplish both.
Pro tip:Keep in mind that usually, you shoot outside of order. Your list of shots should be organized by various factors such as the location, lighting and whether it's indoor or outdoor.
Imagine that your actors have a visit to a cafe during the first part of your movie, but they're taken to a hospital, and at the conclusion of the film they're back in the coffee shop again (personally, I wouldn't visit a café that had me in a hospital however). It's best to shoot both coffee shop scenes simultaneously at the simultaneously. Remember these locations repeatedly in mind when you're grouping your images!
Essential video shot list Terms starting with A-Z
If you do decide that you're planning to create your own shot list, and choose not to use our shot list template (no regrets), this glossary offers up 13 essentials to include on any shot list you're making to be used for projects of any kind.
1. Scene
Your scene number goes here. Simple!
2. Shot
Your shot may not be as straightforward however it is vital. Every angle is a different shot. If you're filming a broad shot of two people discussing in a cafe this is scene 1 shot A (1A). The next shot is an over-the-shoulder shot of one of the people sitting at the table. That's 1B. The next shot is a medium one in front of the cafe, that's 2A. You advanced the scene, and reset the counter for your shot.
Pro tip: The letters "I" as well as "L" tend to be avoided due to their close relationship to the number 1 (and to each other). A second tip for pros is: If during your shoot, you decide to add another shot that's not listed included on your checklist, add the name with the lowercase "i" (e.g. 2Ai). It means "insert shot" which wasn't in your list.
3. Shot Type
4. Movement
In this photo, is the camera stationary or is it moving? If it moves then what kind of motion?
5. Gear
In this column, you typically list your lenses (if you're using a variety of different lenses throughout the video) However, feel comfortable including the equipment you need specifically for the shot you're shooting.
6. Location
The photo is taken. If you're shooting in several areas in the coffee shop, be particular "Coffee shop, corner table," "Coffee shop counter" and so on.
7. EXT / INT
Does your photo appear to be an outdoor or an interior one? Is it at day (AM) or night (PM)?
8. Sound
9. Notes
In this section, you will define the scene's actions or camera's movements in greater depth. For example "Camera is following Jack taking espresso from his counter and to tables."
10. Cast or Talent
Who's in the picture? Is the person famous? Can we get an autograph?
11. The Setup Time
Write down the time that it will require to prepare or reset the scene.
12. Shoot Time
This is where you need to calculate the amount of time it'll require to finish the shot you want. For instance, let's say that the shot is 15 seconds long, and you believe it'll take four shots in order to get it right. Give 60 seconds (15 x 4).
13. Total Time
Total time is just like it sounds: Your setup timing + the time of your shoot providing you with an estimate about how long this total shot will require. This is essential for planning the days of your shoot.
The last point
Your shot lists must perform for you. Meaning, there's no right or wrong way to create an ideal shot list. Incorporate any information you believe will benefit your work Feel free to remove or add the criteria you want to include as you wish.
Most frequently asked questions
What's a shot list template?
Hey, you're going to be in for a surprise. The shot list template can be an editable, downloadable list of shots that you can modify for your film. Any of these are shot list templates that you can use right now: Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PDF. What's first? either a storyboard, or a shotlist?
It is recommended to first storyboard, but based on the specific scope of the project, it is possible that the storyboard and shot list are able to coexist together. The storyboard helps you visualize your characters while the shot list hammers out the details such as shot types the type of equipment, location, etc. What should be included in the shot-list?
While the sky's the limit, we recommend reeling it in (get the idea?) to ensure your list of shots maximize efficiency and be the perfect at-a-glance companion to the next day of shooting. Add details about what crew members need to attend to (both both on and off the camera) and gear. Also, include details about the outside or interior set-up, which scene you're shooting and a description of the action and shoot duration, as well as the total duration, etc.
Then putting everything together
The list of shots you have made is (inevitably) an ever-changing, breathing document -- which means you must feel comfortable when things go wrong. There is a chance that you will be off-track on the day of shooting. It's possible to run into unexpected snags with crew members or Mother Nature. Either way, you're not married to your shot list.
Make use of your shot list as a reference However, don't be afraid to see what happens.