How to Create a Shot List
Each time a film is produced there are many steps taken to ensure essential planning and execution of the production. The shot list is one of the many documents used to organize essential duties of film production.
Included in a shot list are various important details relative to how each shot will take place, the crew data for the shot, and the director’s vision as well as the resources needed to bring the shot to life. But do you know how to create a shot list?
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Step 1: Choose the Scene
Determine which scene you’re going to outline the shot list for and begin with a spreadsheet that includes the following elements in columns:
- Shot Number
- Shot Description
- Shot Size
- Shot Type
- Movement
- Equipment
- Lens
- Frame Rate
- Location
- Actors
- Sound
- Extra Notes
Step 2: Consider How You Wish to Capture the Shot & Scene
The next step is to think about how you want to capture the shot in each scene. You’ll need to outline shots, one-by-one, Think about how you would like to capture the shot, and consider each of the above elements for the scene.
Fill out your shot list with details on how you will move the camera, establish your shot, or capture details on camera. Will you film a close-up? Will there be an establishing shot? How much coverage will there be?
Step 3: Number the Shot
Each shot should be numbered so that there are in order and understanding.
Creating a shot list without numbered shots will lead to confusion if there is a need to retake a shot or capture other elements. For each new shot, start a new row in your shot list spreadsheet with all of the columns previously listed, this way you can appropriately outline each of the details for the upcoming shot.
Step 4: Establish Shots for Each Part of a Scene
Your shot list should have established details listed for each element or part of a scene. You want to make sure that you establish shots for each part of a scene.
Step 5: Storyboard
Once you’ve created your shot list for each shot and section of a scene, you can storyboard or sketch out the shot list in a way that will help you or your crew to visualize. This is where you will provide key data that can help the crew bring the shot and scene to life as well as decide how to appropriately adjust the shots for greater deliverability.
Need help creating a shot list? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!