Step-by-step Professional Video Preparation Series: How to create a shot list

When you start creating videos, there is a lot of preparation before you can even think about hitting the record button. Creating a shot list is a helpful document that maps out exactly what image needs to be captured and what equipment will be used in that particular shot, or scene, of the video. Even if your video isn’t a big Hollywood production, a shot list helps organize your vision and begin with a solid plan. Shot lists go hand-in-hand as part of writing the script, creating a storyboard, and the overall pre-production process.

A shot list is like a blueprint that acts as a roadmap for your entire project offering a structured plan that everyone can follow and allows the director on set to manage the crew. NOT having a shot list will likely have you and your editor wishing you had one later on!  It ensures that all team members are aligned, setting the stage for a successful shoot. Having a predetermined list of shots also helps you utilize your shooting hours more efficiently. It provides quick answers to questions like, “What are we shooting next?” or “Who will be on camera for this part?” Having this information in hand eliminates guesswork, speeding up the shoot and maintaining focus throughout production. Secondly, a well-constructed shot list helps keep you prepared because it outlines what to expect at each step. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures the shoot runs smoothly and as cost effective as possible. 

Let’s take a look at a shot list, starting with a breakdown of each of the key elements you should include: 

• Script / SB reference: Indicates which part of the script or storyboard the shot corresponds to, ensuring alignment between planning and execution.

• Shot Number: The reference number assigned to each shot. This is essential for easy identification and organization.

• Interior / Exterior: Specifies whether the shot takes place indoors or outdoors. This is crucial for lighting and equipment planning.

• Shot: Identifies the type of shot — such as Wide Shot (WS), Medium Close-Up (MCU), or Very Wide Shot (VWS) — to establish the shot’s visual style.

• Camera Angle: Specifies the perspective from which the camera will capture the shot — like eye level, high angle, or even birds-eye view — adding layers of meaning to the scene.

• Camera Move: States whether the camera will remain static or employ a specific movement like panning, which affects the energy and pacing of the scene.

• Audio: Indicates if the shot includes specific audio elements like a voice-over (VO), an important note for post-production.

• Subject: Listing any people needed in the shot is an important detail for scheduling and ensures all team members know what should be captured.

• Description of Shot: This is a detailed summary of the shot in question, including the visual elements and type of shot to help guide the director, cinematographer, and crew. 

While there is fundamental information that should be included on every shot list, there’s no right or wrong way for you to put yours together. This is a tool for your production and the most important thing for you is to make sure you have all the information you and your crew will need, even if you only apply a few of these items. Some columns may list other bits of information, such as the scene number, location, framing, the action or dialogue, props needed, and any extra notes.

How to create a shot list in 5 steps:

Don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of creating your own shot list because we’re going to make it easy for you!

1. Pick a scene

The first step in creating a shot list is choosing a scene from your script to focus on. In your spreadsheet, create column headings using the nine essential elements of a shot list that we’ve discussed above, such as the scene and shot numbers, location, framing, etc. 

Next, each individual shot you have planned for that scene should be given its own row. 

2. Break down each capture

Now that you have your scene and spreadsheet ready, it’s time to dissect each shot. This means going through them one at a time and thinking about how you’d like to capture each one. This is the time to use your understanding of shot type and camera movements to fill in each column in your spreadsheet with the specifics that will guide you and your crew during production.

3. Number your shots

Clarity is key when organizing your shot list, which is why it’s so important to number your shots. Start with the number 1 for your first shot, and for each subsequent shot, create a new row in your spreadsheet and give it a unique number. This simple system makes it much easier to reference specific shots during a busy shoot, especially when scenes may be filmed out of order, and also helps in the editing process later on.

4. Assign a shot for every part of the scene

There’s nothing worse than wrapping up production, only to realize later on that you forgot to take an important shot. It’s a mistake that’s common, but also avoidable. While it can be really tempting to skip a “minor” shot when creating your shot list, no matter how small, make sure each shot has its own spot on your spreadsheet. By being meticulous, you’ll eliminate ambiguities and ensure that every element in your scene gets the attention it deserves during filming. Pick-up filming, or going back to recapture scenes, can sometimes be necessary but will significantly increase the cost of production.

5. Draw rough sketches

Even if you’re not an artist, drawing rough sketches or storyboards for your shot list can be incredibly useful. This visual aid will help you and your crew better understand how a scene will unfold. It’s also a good way to try and spot any potential issues before you’re on set. If something doesn’t look quite right in the sketch, you can adjust your shot list accordingly. You might want to think of these drawings as a second layer of planning, offering another opportunity to fine-tune your vision before the cameras start rolling.

And that’s all there is to it! Your shot list can be as simple or as detailed as you see fit. While it might seem like a lot of work upfront, it will make both shooting and editing your video much easier in the long run.