3 Steps to Creating a Transformative Shot List

blythedavenport
Oct 23, 2020
4 min read

Many aspiring filmmakers think of the story they want to tell, and then they grab the camera. They start filming and quickly realize that they skipped some critical planning phases!

One of these essential parts of the filmmaking process is the shot list. From promos and music videos to short films, you will need to create a shot list.

A shot list is a critical tool in making films of all kinds. Are you starting on a new video project? Read on for all you need to know about the shot list and how it can transform your work!

What Is a Shot List?

A shot list is a detailed list of all the shots that make up the scenes of your film. This list will help you keep all the details of your film - locations, subjects, props, and more - organized as you move through the process.

The shot list serves to prepare your crew for a day of filming. Your shot list will include all of the scenes you need to shoot each day along with what needs to go into them.

The list will allow the director to create a schedule of locations, crew members, and actors needed for each shot. This is a critical part of organizing and completing your film project.

Finally, the shot list gives you a detailed checklist to make sure that you're capturing the scenes that will tell your story. After you create your script, you can go through it and create your shot list. This will ensure that you are capturing every piece needed to fulfill your vision.

Before you start filming, sit down to create a detailed shot list. We'll give some pointers on how to create the shot list below.

What Projects Need a Shot List?

A shot list can be helpful for nearly any video project. From big productions to small, a shot list is a critical part of organizing your work and cutting down on inefficiency.

If you're shooting a music video, a shot list can help you capture all of the moments and angles that will give the video spontaneity and detail. The shot list can correlate to points in a song, or just the scenes you're sure you want to include.

If you're making a promo or event video, there are many shots you want to make sure you capture. Close up shots to show emotion, wide shots to show the location or the crowd, or specific footage of speakers or presenters are all necessary parts.

A short film might be one of the most challenging shot list creations of all. It's difficult to know just how you want to shoot some of the important scenes, so you should consider multiple entries for the same scene number.

No matter what kind of video you're working on, the shot list will help you successfully complete your project. Let's take a look at what goes into making a good shot list.

Making a Shot List

The following three steps will help you create a shot list for just about any project. Some filmmakers like to add in other steps, like creating a storyboard or creating alternate scene versions. You can use this list as a starting point and customize it to fit your filmmaking process.

1. Break Down Your Script / Scenes Needed

We have three words for you: spreadsheet, spreadsheet, spreadsheet!

Yes, you have spent time and shed tears crafting a beautiful script. Its perfection makes you happy, just to look at it.

Now it's time to break that baby down!

Basically, breaking down your script entails going through it scene by scene and taking out all of the necessary details. Break out your favorite spreadsheet creator and make a column for each of these elements of each scene:

Scene number
Shot number
Location
Interior or Exterior
Shot description
Framing
Action/dialogue
Actors
Props
Notes

Not every project will need each of these columns. For promo or event videos, for example, you won't have a script but a list of moments you need to achieve. Even in these videos, though, you'll be able to fill out a lot of the above information.

2. Organize the List By Location

Once all of your scenes have been mapped out, group all the shots that need to take place in one location at a time. If you only have one place that you're filming, great! That makes it easier.

However, most projects have at least a few locations. Even if it is simply moving outside, it takes time and energy to move all of the equipment and get it set up again between interior and exterior shots.

The shot list is particularly helpful if you have multiple locations or ones that are distant from one another. The shot list will help you with the next step - organizing your shoot days for maximum efficiency and minimum cost.

3. Organize Your Shoot Days by Your Shot List

Once you've confirmed that you have all the scenes you want to shoot, and all the locations you need to shoot at, you can create an organized shooting schedule.

The schedule is the best way to keep your crew, equipment, and actors organized. You can tell everyone who needs to be where, and when, with what preparations. This list can cut down on shooting time and cut down on your costs - that's a win-win!