Free Shot List Template Downloadable List That Wows | Blog

Nov 14, 2023

 What is a Shot list?

The shot lists are a document which provides (and defines) all of the shots that need to be captured during the process of production. There's no one method to approach this, and various productions have different shot lists, with varying degrees of intricacy.

Essentially, your shot list includes all the minute details that'll provide your film with the sense of direction and efficiency. Make sure you leave no one unturned.

 What is the best shooting list format?

Of course! The shot list we use is available in four different formats:

Shot List Example - Google Sheets

Fully equipped with dropdown lists and auto-populating magic We recommend this version as it's the most durable and effective among the three options. Click File > Create The Copy to generate a version you can work off of.

Shot List Example - Excel

The format is simple, minimalist and straight to the point. This is a great format to organize your thoughts during the go, with multiple locations. It's not formatted for print use, so you should utilize it on your smartphone or tablet.

Shot List Template - Microsoft Word

Ah, Word. Always a classic. The dropdown menus and auto-calculating numbers are available for this release. Every requirement must be typed in manually. Formatting may differ across platforms and Word versions.

Shot List Template - PDF

Now, what do we do? If you're still with us we'll go deeper into shot lists and find ways to apply them to your advantage.

An argument for storyboarding

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OK, we know you're excited over the shot list templates. However, prior to getting started, it might be helpful to draw up the storyboard. Storyboarding is a great method of visualizing the most important scenes that propel the story forward. Use your storyboard to act as a springboard and create your list of shots around these anchor locations. We get it, you're not Walt Disney, but he's no longer around, so probably you're more skilled than him when it comes to drawing.

How to create a shot list?

We create the shot lists for each shooting day. However, you could also make use from a single list. Choose the way you'd like to plan your shoot and work with it.

Two parts are involved in this procedure.

  1. The first part is picking the shots and collaborating in collaboration with your photographer director.
  2. Another aspect is planning (and scheduling) these shoots. These templates let you do both.

Pro tip:Keep in mind that usually, you shoot outside of an order. The list of shots you're making must be organized by various factors such as location, lighting, or whether you're indoor or out in the outdoors.

Let's say your actors have a visit to a cafe in the beginning of your film, then they are taken to an emergency room, then at the end of the film they're back in the same coffee shop (personally I'd never go back to a café that had me in a hospital however). The best way to do this is to shoot both the coffee shop scenes at the at the same time. Make sure to keep these places to your mind while you group your photos!

 Essential list of video shots Terms starting with A-Z

Even if you decide you'll create your own list of shots and choose not to use the template we provide for our shot list (no no regrets) The glossary below offers thirteen essentials that you can include on any shot list you're making for any type of project.

1. Scene

Your scene number goes here. Simple!

2. Shot

Your shot is less simple yet so crucial. Every angle creates a distinct shot. If you're shooting a wide shot of two people talking in a coffee shop it's scene 1. scene A (1A). Next, is an over-the-shoulder shot of one of the people sitting at the table. That's 1B. Your next shot is a medium-sized shot of in front of the cafe and is a 2A. The scene was moved and you reset your shot counter.

Pro tip: The letters "I" and "L" are frequently skipped due to their close resemblance to the number 1 (and with each other). Another pro tip when you shoot, you add another shot that's not listed included on your checklist, add the shot by an lowercase "i" (e.g. 2Ai). This indicates "insert shot" not on your list.

3. Shot Type

4. Movement

During this shot Does the camera remain stationary or is it moving? If it does move, what type of movement?

5. Gear

The column in this section is where you typically list your lenses (if you're using a variety of lenses in your film) however, you are comfortable including the equipment you need for that specific shot.

6. Location

It's where the photo is taken. If you're shooting multiple areas of an establishment, make it specific "Coffee shop or corner table" "Coffee shop counter" and so on.

7. EXT/INT

Are you shooting an exterior or interior photograph? Do you want to shoot it during the day (AM) or night (PM)?

8. Sound

9. Notes

This is where you define the scene's actions or camera's movements with greater depth. Example "Camera follows Jack carrying his coffee off the counter to the table."

10. Cast or Talent

Who's in the shot? Do they have a name? Can we get an autograph?

11. Setup Time

Note the estimated time it'll take to set up or restart the scene.

12. Shoot Time

This is where you need to calculate the amount of time it'll require to finish the shot you want. For instance, let's say that the shot is 15 seconds long. you think it will need 4 shots for it to be perfect. Give 60 minutes (15 times 4).

13. Total Time

The total time will be exactly as it sounds: your setup timing + the time of your shoot, giving you an idea of the amount of time that the entire shot can require. This is essential for planning your shoot days.

The last point

Your shot list needs to perform to your advantage. That means there is no correct or wrong method to make the ideal shot list. Include whatever information you feel is beneficial to your project You are at liberty to alter or remove the criteria you want to include as you wish.

Frequently asked questions

    What's a shot-list template?

Oh boy, you're getting a real treat. The shot list template can be an editable and downloadable shot list that you can customize for your film. These are all shot list templates you can begin using now: Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PDF.                     What comes first, the storyboard or a shot list?    

It is recommended to first storyboard, but depending on the project, sometimes the storyboard and shot list may coexist with one another. Storyboards help you imagine your scenes as the shot list spells out the details such as shot types, gear you need as well as the best location for your shot.                     What are the most important items to include on Your shot checklist?

While the sky's the limit, we recommend reeling the reel in (get you?) so your shot list can increase efficiency and serve as the perfect at-a-glance companion to your next shoot day. Add details about what crew members need to be there (both in and out of the camera) equipment, the exterior or indoor set-ups, the scene you're shooting and a description of the action shooting time, the duration, etc.

Making everything work

The shot list you create will be (inevitably) a living and breathing piece of paper -- so you have to be comfortable with things going horribly wrong. It is possible to be completely in the wrong direction on a shooting day. There are the possibility of unexpected issues with the crew members or Mother Nature. Whatever the case, you're not bound to your shots.

Make use of your shot list as a reference But don't be scared to try different things.

    Do you need more videos? Begin by taking a class at Video School.