A free Shot List Template that you can download List that is awe-inspiring | Blog

Nov 14, 2023

 What is a shot-list?

A shot list is an outline that provides (and describes) all of the sequences that have to be recorded during the production. There's not a single best way to do this, and various productions have different shot lists, that differ in their complexity.

In essence, your shot list is a checklist filled with all the minute details that'll give your film a sense of focus and effectiveness. Don't leave any scratch to be left.

 Do I need a shot list template?

Sure! The shot list we use is available in four distinct formats:

Shot List Example - Google Sheets

With dropdown lists, and auto-populating magic, we recommend using this one as it's most reliable and efficient among the three options. Click File > Create The Copy to generate a version you can work off of.

Shot List Example - Excel

Simple, minimal and right on the mark. This layout is ideal to keep your thoughts organized on an eventful, multi-location day. This format doesn't have print compatible devices, so utilize it on your smartphone or tablet.

Shot List Template - Microsoft Word

Ah, Word. Always a classic. No dropdown menus or auto-calculating numbers are included in this version. Every requirement must be manually entered. The formatting may vary across platforms and Word versions.

Shot List Template - PDF

So, now what? If you're still here Let's go more deeply into shot lists to learn ways to use the lists to your advantage.

A case for storytelling

Okay, we understand that you're excited by the shot list templates. But, before you get going, it may be a good idea to sketch out an outline of your story. Storyboarding is a great method of visualizing the most important shots that move the plot forward. Utilize your storyboard to serve to serve as a springboard. Then, make your own shot list based on the anchor points. You're far from Walt Disney, but he's gone, and it's likely that you're much better in drawing right now.

How do I prepare a shot-list?

At , we create the shot lists for each day of shooting, however it is also possible to work off from a single list. Decide how you want to organize and go from there.

Two parts are involved in this procedure.

  1. The first part is picking the shots and collaborating in collaboration with your photographer director.
  2. The other part involves planning (and scheduling) these shootings. These templates let you do both.

Pro advice:Keep in mind that typically you shoot out of order. Your shot list needs to be grouped by factors like location, lighting, as well as whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors.

Let's say your actors are at a coffee shop at the start of your film, then they end up at an emergency room, then at the end of your film, they're in the cafe again (personally, I wouldn't return to the cafe that put me in a hospital, however). The best way to do this is to film both coffee shop scenes at the at the same time. Make sure to keep these places to your mind while you group your photos!

 Essential list of video shots concepts starting with A-Z

Even if you decide you'll create your own shot list, and choose not to use our shot list template (no regrets) This glossary will offer thirteen essentials that you can include in your shot list for any type of project.

1. Scene

The scene's number is here. Simple!

2. Shot

Your shot may not be as straightforward but so important. Every angle creates a distinct shot. If you're shooting a wide shot of two friends discussing in a cafe this is scene 1 scene 1A. (1A). Another shot that you can take is an overhead shot of one of the people at the table, that's 1B. The next shot is a medium one outside the coffee shop which is 2A. You advanced the scene, and started the shot counter.

Pro suggestion A word of caution: the letters "I" and "L" are frequently avoided due to their close similarities to the numeral 1 (and in some cases, to one another). Another pro tip is: If during your shoot, you decide to add an image that's not included on your checklist, add it by the lowercase "i" (e.g. 2Ai). It means "insert shot" which wasn't in your list.

3. Shot Type

4. The Movement

During this shot, is the camera stationary and/or does it move? If it moves in any way, what is the type of movement?

5. Gear

In this column, you typically list your lenses (if you're using several of different ones throughout your film), but feel free to include necessary gear for that specific shot.

6. Location

This is where the photo is taken. If you're shooting in multiple areas of the coffee shop, be specific "Coffee shop tables, corner tables," "Coffee shop, counter," and so on.

7. EXT / INTER

Is your shot an exterior or interior shot? Is it at day (AM) or at night (PM)?

8. Sound

9. Notes

It is the place where you can define the scene's actions or camera movements in more specific terms. Example "Camera tracks Jack who is carrying the espresso from his counter and to the table."

10. Cast or Talent

Who's in the picture? Are they famous? Can we get an autograph?

11. The Setup Time

List the approximate time it'll require to prepare or reset the scene.

12. Shoot Time

Here you want to get the amount of time it'll be to complete the shot you want. For instance, let's say that the shot is 15 seconds long. you believe it'll take 4 shots for it to be perfect. Give 60 minutes (15 x 4).

13. Total Time

Total time works exactly like the name implies: Setup timing + the time of your shoot, giving you an idea of the amount of time that the entire shot can take. This one is crucial for planning your shoot days.

One last thing

The shot list you create must work for you. There isn't a right or wrong way to create an ideal shot list. Add any information that you think is beneficial to your project You are free to remove or add the criteria you want to include as you wish.

Commonly requested questions

    What's a shot-list template?

You're in for a treat. Shot list templates are an editable or downloadable shot list which you can personalize for your film. Any of these are shot list templates you can begin using now: Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PDF.                     What is the first thing, either a storyboard, or a shotlist?    

We recommend storyboarding first, but depending on the project, sometimes the shot list and storyboard can occur in blessed harmony together. The storyboard can help you envision your scene as the shot list spells out details like shot type the type of equipment as well as the best location for your shot.                     What should you include in your shot list?

If you're looking to expand your horizons, we recommend reeling the reel in (get you?) so your shot list can increase efficiency and serve as the perfect at-a-glance companion to your next shoot day. Include details like what crew members must attend to (both on and off camera) equipment, the exterior or interior set-up, which is the scene you're shooting as well as an explanation of the scene, shoot time, duration, etc.

Making everything work

Your shot list will be (inevitably) a living in-and-out document, which means you must be able to handle things that go horribly wrong. It is possible to be completely in the wrong direction on a shooting day. It's possible to run into unexpected snags with crew members or Mother Nature. Whatever the case, you're not bound to your shots.

Utilize your shot lists to guide you However, don't be afraid to experiment and see what happens.

    Are you looking for more resources in videography? Begin by taking a class at Video School.