Shot List Template: Free Guide & Download
The first step to making a great video is having a great shot list. Every project starts with an idea, and a shot list helps organize and realize that idea. It's a vital ingredient, no matter how small or large your crew or cast is. A shot list is a kind of to-do list that helps everyone stay on the same page.
But it's more than just a checklist; it's a roadmap that guides the entire team, ensuring that the director's vision is captured precisely and that no details are missed. Preparing your shot list ahead of time streamlines the filming process and reduces misunderstandings on set.
Without a detailed shot list, a production can easily go off track, wasting valuable time and resources. Whether you're an industry professional or an amateur just starting out, understanding and utilizing a shot list is paramount to the success of your video-making venture.
Before you dive into shot list software, we've created a free shot list template that you can use with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. This downloadable file is perfect for organizing and sharing production information for any kind of film production – from short films to music videos, and everything in between.
While this basic video shot list template covers the essentials, more advanced and customizable options, such as a call sheet template, offer greater flexibility and features for complex projects.
Google Sheets Shot List Template
Perfect for any kind of film production – from short films to music videos, and everything in between.
Introduction to Shot Lists
A shot list is the backbone of any successful video or film production. Think of it as a detailed checklist that outlines all the shots you need to capture for each scene, ensuring nothing is overlooked during filming.
By combining the script and storyboard with practical instructions—like camera shots, movements, lighting setups, props, and dialogue notes—a shot list transforms creative ideas into a clear, actionable plan.
Typically, the cinematographer works closely with the director and producer to craft a good shot list, making sure the entire team is aligned and ready for production. This process not only clarifies the director's vision but also streamlines the shooting schedule, reduces confusion on set, and helps the crew capture every essential moment.
With a well-prepared shot list, your team can focus on bringing the story to life, confident that every detail is accounted for.
Getting Started with Shot Lists
When you're ready to create your first shot list, it's important to include the core elements that will keep your production organized and efficient. Start by assigning a shot number to each entry, then note the scene, location, and a brief description of the shot.
Be sure to specify the camera angle, shot type, and shot size, as these details help the crew understand exactly how each moment should be captured. Don't forget to include any sound requirements, the cast involved, and special notes or technical details that might affect the process.
Using a film shot list template can make this process much easier, allowing you to customize the document to fit your project's unique needs. By carefully planning these details, you'll ensure that all intended shots are covered, and your production runs smoothly from start to finish.
Why are shot lists important?
It's easy to get lost during a shoot, even with a small group of crew members. If you've got lots of settings, multiple actors, and a large crew, then things only get more complicated. A shot list is a detailed checklist of all the shots needed to capture during production.
In collaborative digital workspaces, team members can mention each other using '@' to facilitate communication and ensure everyone is on the same page.
A shot list is a crucial tool, acting as the blueprint for your project's entire execution. Having your own shot list keeps a project on track. Before filming, it allows directors to organize their ideas, ensuring that each individual shot and all camera angles are accounted for, while also creating a cohesive shooting schedule.
Professional video production shot lists serve as a "cheat sheet" to align the director, DP, and crew. During filming, a shot list allows different departments to operate seamlessly, reducing overlap and ensuring efficient use of time.
In unforeseen situations where a crew member falls ill or has to leave, the shot list serves as a guide, allowing the team to progress without a hitch, ensuring that the creative vision is never compromised.
When to create a shot list
You should create a shot list after finishing your script, at the same time as creating your storyboard. Your shot list helps you visualise the details of what you want. It'll make it easier to organise the cast, crew, equipment, and locations that bring your vision to life.
Creating a shot list involves withdrawing information from the script to identify the necessary shots for filming. (Side note: you'll need a few extra documents, like call sheets, tech specs, and license agreements – they all stem from the shot list.)
During filming, you'll add extra notes to the shot list to help your editor – like which takes to use, detailed comments, and shot / card numbers. Remember to add the clip number or timecode to the shot list during production. It'll help your editor know which shot is which, and dramatically speed up the editing process.
Remember to organise your shots by location. Putting similar shots together makes shooting easier because you can shoot them all at the same time. (Note: this might not be in order of shot number. And that's okay!)
To improve workflow and clarity, break your shot list into sections or segments, such as by scene or setup. This makes filming way more convenient – even if you're not shooting all the shots in the order of your storyboard. The course of shooting activities is planned in sequence to optimize efficiency and coordination throughout the filming day.
Pre-Production Planning
Effective pre-production planning is the foundation of a successful shoot, and a well-crafted shot list is a key part of this process. Before the cameras roll, use your shot list to plan a walk-through of each location, mapping out the sequence of specific shots you'll need to capture.
This proactive approach helps your team spot potential challenges and make adjustments before filming begins, saving valuable time on set. By leveraging a list template, you can create a comprehensive to-do list for your next project, detailing camera movements, lighting setups, and any unique requirements for each scene.
This ensures everyone is on the same page, from the director to the crew, and helps track progress throughout the shoot. A good shot list not only guides the filming process but also keeps your project organized, efficient, and ready to adapt to any changes that arise.
What's in a shot list?
Shot lists typically include:
Scene
This is the scene number you'll find on your script. The scene number from your script is included in the shot list. You might not need it for smaller productions where everything happens in one scene.
Setup
Add a new setup every time you reposition the camera angle or change lighting setups. You can use these setups later to group similar setups together, making it simpler to shoot.
Shot
Increase the shot number by one every time you start a new shot. The Shot Number/ID is a unique identifier (e.g., 1A, 1B, 2A) to label setups, and the specific, numbered shot for that scene is marked in the shot list. (Depending on personal preference, you might want to reset the shot number for every new setup.)
Description
Use the shot description to quickly explain where you're at in the script. You should say what the subject is – whether it's an actor, group of actors, prop, or a setting. Then describe the shot type, any action that's happening, any props involved, and what exactly the camera should capture.
Include the position of the camera and subjects within the shot to achieve the desired visual effect. Mention any camera techniques such as rack focus to shift attention between objects or characters.
The shot description tells your director everything that's happening in the shot, so that everyone's on the same page. A shot list can be customized to include various details such as camera movements, lighting, and sound requirements.
Priority/importance can be assigned using a ranking system to help identify which shots can be cut if necessary. Notes can include lighting, sound, or specific instructions like "Camera focus on actor."
Equipment
Use this column to list the equipment that's supporting the camera. For example, Tripod, Steadicam, Drone, Dolly, etc. The equipment/gear list should include necessary tools like tripods, gimbals, or lighting rigs.
Movement
Use this column to explain what your camera's doing when it's not static, i.e. it's moving. Movement in shot lists is categorized as Static, Pan, Tilt, Dolly, Tracking, or Crane. Be sure to specify the camera movement for each shot. For example: Static, Pan, Tilt, Dolly, Zoom, etc.
Angle
Use this column to describe the angle of the camera in relation to the subject. If your camera's lower than your subject, it's a low angle. If it's higher than the subject, it's a high angle.
Camera angle options include high, low, eye-level, and Dutch tilt, specifying the vertical perspective. You can also include other terms that help to explain the angle, for example: Eye-level, High angle, Low angle, etc.
Shot size
Describe the size of your subject in the frame (i.e. the shot size). Shot size/framing precisely defines how tight or wide the shot is. Varying shot sizes and having them appear in different orders creates dramatically different effects.
A scene might start with an establishing shot to establish where it's happening, before moving to a medium shot of your subject, then a close-up of the action. Shot types are often abbreviated, e.g. wide shot (WS), very wide shot (VWS), mid-shot (MS), medium close-up (MCU), close-up (CU), extreme close-up (ECU).
Audio
Use this column to explain how you're picking up the audio. For example: Boom, Lav(s), Voiceover (VO). Audio notes can specify how sound will be captured or if the shot is MOS.
Lens
Use this column to record which size camera lens you're using for the scene. For example 24mm, 50mm, 200mm.
Time estimate
Use this column to estimate how long it will take to set up (not shoot) each shot, which helps you build your schedule and timings for each day. This is also known as Setup Time/Notes, and can include specific technical or artistic notes.
It'll also highlight any time-consuming shots, in case you need to cut or change them on the day – like changing a lengthy jib shot for one on a raised tripod.
Camera
Use this column to note which camera you're using (if you're using more than one).
Cast
Use this column to note down which characters are in the shot. Talent/Subject details include a list of actors or characters presented in the shot.
Best take + timecode
If you want to make your editor's life a lot easier, you can use these columns to note down a great take and when it happened. If you don't have a timecode, just change that column to 'clip'.
Additional Notes:
Interactive PDF shot lists can be filled out on a computer, saved, printed, and emailed to the crew for easy distribution and updates.
Microsoft Excel shot list templates are structured spreadsheets that can be customized for shot IDs and camera angles, making them ideal for detailed planning.
Microsoft Word shot list templates are easy to edit and print, making them suitable for smaller productions or quick changes.
PDF shot list templates can be customized and locked to prevent accidental edits, ensuring version control.
Printing multiple copies of a shot list can be beneficial to avoid reliance on digital devices during filming.
A comprehensive film shot list should include scene/shot numbers, camera angles, movement, and technical details.
A storyboard visually illustrates each shot, while a shot list organizes those shots into actionable instructions.
The cinematographer usually makes the shot list in collaboration with the director and producer.
A storyboard helps clarify the visual representation of shots that a shot list may not convey.
Google Sheets Shot List Template
Perfect for any kind of film production – from short films to music videos, and everything in between.
The shot list template is available as a downloadable file, which can be uploaded, saved, or shared in formats like Google Sheets or PDF. Using an interactive PDF shot list allows you to fill it out on your computer, save your progress, print it, and easily email the file to your crew.
Printing multiple copies of the shot list is also beneficial, ensuring everyone has access on set without relying solely on digital devices.
Google Sheets Shot List Template
Perfect for any kind of film production – from short films to music videos, and everything in between.
Storing and Sharing Shot Lists
Keeping your shot list accessible and up-to-date is crucial for smooth collaboration during production. Google Drive is an excellent tool for storing and sharing your film shot list template, allowing your team to edit and review the document in real time from any location.
By uploading your list template to Google Drive, you ensure that everyone is working from the latest version, reducing the risk of miscommunication or missed shots.
For added convenience, you can print your shot list or save it as a PDF for quick reference on set. This approach not only streamlines the filmmaking process but also keeps your team organized and focused, making it easier to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
Fail to plan, plan to fail
Shot lists are critical to the pre-production process. Like storyboards, they save time by creating consensus and keeping your team on the same page during production. Get started by downloading our free template or take our shot list software for a spin.
