What is a Shot List & How to Create a Compelling One
Why a shot list is important
Most films are not shot in the order that they are written. This is because it saves a lot of time to analyze the shot list and figure out the easiest order to shoot it with the least amount of lighting and camera changes. For example, if you have two dolly shots in the same scene, shoot those two shots back to back to save time, rather than moving the camera away from the dolly for the next sequential shot to then put it right back where it was previously.
The shot list keeps all departments of a production organized and efficient, allowing everyone to understand where the camera will be in the space and where the lens will be pointing. This promotes productivity for the crew members on set because with a shot list they can anticipate what they need to accomplish for the next shot.
The 10 essential components of a shot list
Now we know what shots lists are and what purpose they serve. However, we still need to get into the nitty-gritty about what to include on yours.
When creating shot lists, don’t forget these 10 vital features:
1. Shot number
When creating your shot list, label each location using numbers, starting with No. 1 at the beginning of each new scene. The shot number will be the reference number for that particular shot.
2. Size
Size refers to how much of the subject will be within the frame. This is written with shot abbreviations, such as CU (close up) and WS (wide shot).
3. Angle
Is the camera lower or higher than the eye level of the subject? This will affect how the subject appears in camera.
4. Movement
This simply means how the camera moves in the shot. If the shot is static and does not move, just write “static.”
5. Lens
What type of lens do you want to use for the shot? This is another must-have addition for your shot list.
6. Time of Day (TOD)
This tells us the time of day the shot takes place in the script, such as in the morning or at midnight.
7. Location
Where the scene is taking place, so be sure to include if it is an interior or exterior location.
8. Description of action
This will tell the actions and movements that are happening with the subjects in the frame.
9. Time
How long the lighting and camera set-up will take to get this shot ready. The idea is to ensure you set and meet the time expectations.
10. Audio
What kind of audio recording device will you use for this shot (i.e. lav, boom, etc.)?
