Free Downloadable Shot List Template • Create a filmmaking shot List That Wows Blog
What's the shot list?
The shot lists are an outline which provides (and defines) all of the scenes that must be filmed during production. There's no one best way to do this, and various productions have different shot lists, and different levels of detail.
In essence, your shot list is a checklist filled with all the minute details that'll help your film have the sense of effectiveness and direction. Leave no stone unturned.
Do I need a shooting list format?
Of course! The shot list we use can be downloaded in four different formats:
Shot List Example - Google Sheets
Fully equipped with dropdown lists and automatic pop-up magic We recommend this one as it's most durable and effective of the three versions. Choose File > Create An Copy to generate a version which you can build off of.
Shot List Example - Excel
Simple, minimal and right on the mark. This format is great to organize your thoughts during the go, with multiple locations. It's not formatted for print compatibility so it's best to use this on your phone or tablet.
Shot List Template - Microsoft Word
Ah, Word. Always a classic. There are no dropdown menus, or automatic calculation numbers are included in this version. Each criteria must be entered manually. Formatting may differ across platforms as well as Word versions.
Shot List Template - PDF
Now, what do we do? If you're still here we'll go more deeply into shot lists to find ways to apply them to benefit you.
A case for storytelling
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Okay, we understand that you're excited about the templates for shot lists. However, prior to getting going, it may be a good idea to draw up a storyboard. Storyboarding is a great method of visualizing the most important images that will propel the plot forward. Utilize your storyboard to serve to serve as a springboard. Then, build your shot list around the anchor locations. You're no Walt Disney, but he's no longer around, so probably you're more skilled than him when it comes to drawing.
How do you create a shot list?
At , we create an outline of shots for every shooting day, but you could also make use of a larger list. Choose the way you'd like to arrange your day and then go to the next step.
There are two components to this procedure.
- The initial step is selecting and planning your photos together with the photographer's director.
- The second part is organizing (and the scheduling of) the shoots. The above templates will let you do both.
Pro tip:Keep in mind that generally, you shoot in the order. Your shot list needs to be grouped by factors like the lighting, location or whether you're indoor or outdoor.
If your characters are at a coffee shop in the beginning of your movie, but they end up at an emergency room, then at the end of the film, they're back at the coffee shop again (personally I'd never go back to a cafe that put me in a hospital but alas). You'll want to shoot both coffee shop scenes at the at the same time. Make sure to keep these places to your mind while you group your images!
Essential list of video shots Terms starting with A-Z
However, if you decide you're planning to create your own list of shots and choose not to use the template we provide for our shot list (no hard feelings) This glossary will offer thirteen essentials that you can include in your shot list to be used for projects of any kind.
1. Scene
Your scene number goes here. Simple!
2. Shot
The shot you take is not as simple however it is vital. Every angle creates a distinct shot. If you're filming a broad shot of two individuals discussing in a cafe it's scene 1. Shot A (1A). Another shot that you can take is an overhead shot of one person sitting at the table. That's 1B. The next shot is a medium shot from outside the coffee house which is 2A. The scene was moved and you reset the shot counter.
Pro suggestion: The letters "I" and "L" are frequently avoided due to their close relationship to the number 1 (and to each other). Another pro tip is: If during your shooting, you include an image that's not in your schedule, you can add the shot by an lowercase "i" (e.g. 2Ai). That indicates "insert shot" that wasn't on your list.
3. Shot Type
4. Movement
During this shot Does the camera remain stationary and/or does it move? If it moves in any way, what is the type of movement?
5. Gear
The column in this section is where the lenses are typically listed (if you're using several of different ones throughout your film), but feel at liberty to list the gear you'll need for that specific shot.
6. Location
The shot is specifically taking place. If you're shooting across multiple areas of the coffee shop, be particular "Coffee shop tables, corner tables," "Coffee shop counter" and so on.
7. EXT / INTER
Is your shot an exterior or an interior one? Is it at day (AM) or night (PM)?
8. Sound
9. Notes
It is the place where you can describe the scene's action or camera's movements with greater specific terms. For example "Camera is following Jack who is carrying the coffee from the counter and to the dining table."
10. Cast or Talent
Who's in the shot? Do they have a name? Can we get an autograph?
11. Time to Set-up
Note the estimated time it'll require to prepare or restart the scene.
12. Shoot Time
Here you want to get the amount of time it'll be to complete your shot. Let's say the shot is fifteen seconds long and you anticipate that it's going to take 4 shots for it to be perfect. You can list 60 minutes (15 + 4).
13. Total Time
Total time works exactly like the name implies: Setup time + your shoot time, giving you an idea of how much time this total shot will require. This information is vital for planning the days of your shoot.
The last point
Your shot list needs to be effective to your advantage. That means there is no correct or wrong way to create the perfect shot list. Add any information that you think is beneficial to your project You are at liberty to alter or remove requirements as you like.
Commonly asked questions
What's a shot list template?
You're in for a treat. The shot list template can be an editable, downloadable list of shots which you can personalize to fit your movie. Any of these are shot list templates that you can begin using now: Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PDF. What's first? either a storyboard, or a shotlist?
It is recommended to first storyboard, however, depending on the scope of your project, sometimes the storyboard and shot list may coexist with one another. Storyboards help you imagine your scenes as the shot list spells in details, such as the type of shot, gear you need as well as the best location for your shot. What are the most important items to include on your shot list?
The sky is the limit, we recommend reeling into it (get you?) so your shot list can increase efficiency and serve as the perfect at-a-glance companion to your next shoot day. Include details like what crew members must be there (both both on and off the camera), gear, exterior or interior set-up, which is the scene you're shooting as well as a description of the action and shoot duration, as well as the total duration, etc.
Putting everything together
The list of shots you have made can be (inevitably) a living in-and-out document, which means you must be able to handle things that go oh-so-wrong. It is possible to be completely in the wrong direction on a shoot day. It's possible to run into unexpected issues with the crew members or Mother Nature. Whatever the case, you're not married to your shooting schedule.
Utilize your shot lists as a guide But don't be scared to try different things.