A good shot list maximizes shooting time and limits downtime across all departments. In this post, we lay out the essentials of a shotlist with pro-tips on best practices.
We’re also going to walk you through StudioBinder’s shot list module so you can maximize your productivity. In the end, we’ve provided a shot list template pdf that you can use outside of StudioBinder.
Alright, time to start shot listing!
A shot list is a strategic document that lists all the shots to be shot in a specific shoot day. It’s a way for the director to clearly communicate the vision of the film, TV series, photography shoot or commercial with the DP and 1st AD. The shots list includes key details, such as shot size, type, camera movement, lens and gear requirements. A shotlist is like a shopping list to make sure you get every shot you need to tell the story.
Shot lists are not exclusive to filmmaking. You can build a camera shot list for a photography shoot, and, if you have multiple cameras, you can use a shotlist to specify which shots will be created with each camera.
What does a shot list look like?
See for yourself by jumping into the shot list example below. Change the layout and columns to see all of the customization options:
You can add sketches, reference images, and color code your shots however you like. Add equipment, frame rates, and detailed descriptions to achieve total clarity for you and your team.
A shot list can be as simple or detailed as you want. It is a roadmap that will get you to a finished project but there is a lot of flexibility and personalization you can bring to the process.
As detailed as shot lists can be, there are some core elements that every list should have:
If you're still asking yourself "What is a shot list?" check out the video below where we explain the shot list anatomy and show you how to build one.
Now that we've gone off the basic requirements of a shot list, let's go through StudioBinder's online shot list. Each element is designed to communicate vital information to your crew.
A good shot list will guide you through a smooth and productive shoot:
Each scene you shoot will require a unique approach and collection of specifications for you to capture the best images possible, so we designed our shot lists will the filmmaking process in mind.
StudioBinder shot lists can be customized to fit your needs so that the most important aspects of your shots can be emphasized and so that your creative goals can be achieved on set.
First, we're going to highlight some of the core elements that each shot list should have. In the following section, we'll get into just how detailed and specific you can make a shot list.
Scene numbers are extremely important in your StudioBinder project. They sync between your script, shotlist and schedule. You can also use color labels to identify different scenes or types of shots.
This is a reference number for the shot / row. Simply list out your shots starting at 1. Reset the shot number back to 1 for every new setup.
Provide as much detail as you’d like for each shot. It could be anything from an insert description, an action in the scene, or a line of dialogue.
Shot size defines the size of the subject in the frame (e.g., close-up, medium shot, etc).
The shot type references the position of the camera in relation to the subject (e.g., eye-level, high angle, low angle, etc.).
A change in camera angle calls for a new setup in your camera shot list. If the camera angle changes during the take, phrase it as something like a low-med-high, which means the shot starts low, moves to a medium, and ends on a high angle. This can be added in the Description.
Here’s a comprehensive list of 50+ camera shots and angles commonly used in shotlists.
Camera movement identifies any movements of the camera during the shot. Remember, complex camera movements are time-consuming to setup so use them sparingly.
Beyond the basic film shot list template elements, there are a number of details you can add. In StudioBinder, you can customize your shotlist with many additional columns to get as specific and detailed as you want.
In this section, we'll highlight these advanced features so you can see just how useful and detailed a comprehensive shot list can be.
Once the shot is complete, mark the row with the ✓ to track your progress.
Pro Tip: Marking shots as Nice-to-Have in advance helps everyone better prioritize the essentials on set—which is helpful if you start falling behind schedule.
The subject is the focus of the shot. It can be a character, group of characters, a prop, establishing shot, etc. The subject helps your team plan when actors should report to set or when a prop or location needs to be prepped.
Pro Tip: Remember that insert shots are often the easiest to shoot, requiring minimal talent, crew and gear. Factor them strategically into your camera shot list while other shots are being prepped. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of insert shots on standby for shooting during downtime.
Here you can make a note of any VFX (visual effects) this particular shot might need. Make sure you VFX Supervisor is included when creating a shot list so they can advise on any special considerations needed while filming.
Designate which type of camera you're going to use and make sure to confer with your camera department so they are prepared. If you're on a multi-camera shoot, identify individual cameras or specialty cameras (e.g., drone, GoPro, security camera, webcam, etc.).
Identify the camera equipment that will be supporting the camera (e.g., tripod, crane, dolly, etc.). This helps you anticipate the set up time for equipment changes.
The Lens column helps your DP and assistant camera team (ACs) prep for upcoming shots. Changing the lens constitutes a new setup, and takes time to accomplish. Minimize setup time by grouping your shot list by lens setups.
The frame rate indicates if this shot will be normal speed, slow motion, or fast motion.
If there are any specific pieces of equipment needed for a shot (e.g., a drone, an underwater housing, etc.) you can include that information here.
Is a shot covered with a boom mic or a lav mic? Both? Is the shot MOS (without sound)? If you have a complex sound setup, add it to the Notes column.
This is where you can make any specific notes about the lighting of this particular shot.
Where you shoot each shot is very important to scheduling and organizing your shoot. Moving your entire crew from one location to another is extremely time consuming so grouping shots by location is essential.
Setting up for each shot take time and calculating that time accurately will make your shoot as efficient as possible. Meet with your department heads (e.g., Camera, Grip/Electric, ADs, etc.) so that these times are accurate and agreed upon.
Based on the script time, setup time and estimated number of takes, the shot list template will automatically generate an estimated shoot time for every shot.
We also add an additional five minutes of padding to every estimate just to play it safe.
The Total Est. Time column will allow you to add the prep and shoot time. This lets the entire crew know when they should be finished with a particular shot and move onto the next one.
This gives the crew a general idea of how the day is scheduled. When you calculate your set-up and shoot times for each shot, the start time can be estimated.
You can mark the end of each setup so the crew knows exactly when and where each change will take place. If you've included prep and shoot times, the setup line will automatically calculate time for the entire setup.
Pro Tip: Setups can eat up a lot of time over the course of a day. Once the camera is set with specific equipment (or lens), shoot as many setups with that gear before switching.
Our film shotlist template has two notes sections: notes for specific shots and notes for the whole scene. These could be used in a variety of ways, including for setups, meal breaks, etc.
To add an additional layer of customization, you can also color code your shots. This way, you can group them by setup, location, actor, etc.
If you would like to print out your shot list, the print view will include the reference image along with all the shot specs.
Our shot list template includes the following camera movement terms as drop-downs so that you can build the most detailed camera shotlist.
