How To Create A Shot List

The First Person To See A Movie

Part of the director’s job during pre-production is to “see” an entire film ahead of time. By this I don’t mean some relaxed, dreamlike state on a beach sipping tropical drinks. It’s a meticulous task of visualizing every single shot for every scene in the entire movie.

And it’s so much fun!

Stick in one of your favorite films, watch the first 5 minutes and count every time the camera cuts to a different setup (framing, angle, perspective). A prepared director sees all of this before anyone’s holding a camera, and they detail it out in a shot list.

And this varies by director. Steven Spielberg is known for planning while John Ford was known for avoiding things like Storyboards, etc.

But what if you’re a one-man crew? Can’t you just wing it? NO. You still must plan your shots. Waiting until you’re on set will cause you to end up with a film that isn’t what it could have been. Trust me on that. Any preparation you do ahead time with a shot list allows you to be more creative on set.

As Louis Pasteur said: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.”

Example Shot List

Below is a sample shot list from the short film RECKONING:

Steps To Create a Shot List

There isn’t a single right way to record your shots. Some filmmakers use software like Studio Binder or Celtx. Personally, I prefer a spreadsheet that references every shot with an associated story board.

1) Scene Numbers

When you break down your script, each scene is given a number. This allows you to map things like your shot list back to the script even when there are changes.

2) Shot Numbers (Setups)

Every camera setup needs a new shot number. For example, you’re shooting a wide shot of someone and want to move to a medium close up? That’s a new camera setup. As are angle changes, etc. Start with number one and assign a number to each one of your shots for a particular scene. Scene 7 might only have 3 shots while scene 22 has 15. Personally, I use a decimal system. Scene 3 setup 5 would be labeled 3.5 and used on corresponding story boards or story maps (if using).

3) Shot Description

Describe your vision for the shot. How are you affecting tone or character? What’s the purpose of the shot? Is there action in it? What is the intended emotional charge?

4) Shot Size

This describes what the camera and lens combo see. Essentially the camera perspective.

WS (Wide Shot)
FS (Full Shot)
CS (Cowboy Shot)
MS (Medium Shot)
MCU (Medium Close Up)
CU (Close Up)
ECU (Extreme Close Up)
OTS (Over the Shoulder)
POV (Point of View)

5) Specify Shot Angle

The angle of the camera drastically effects the feel of the shot. What do you want the audience to feel in this particular scene and setup?

Eye Level
Low Angle
High Angle
Hip Level
Knee Level
Ground Level
Shoulder Level
Dutch Angle
Overhead
Aerial

6) Camera Movement

Will this be a moving shot? A classic example is The Dark Knight when the Joker first enters the pent house party. He’s moving the entire time, and this would all be noted on the shot list.

Pan
Whip-Pan
Tilt
Whip-Tilt
Dolly
Truck
Pedestal
Zoom

7) Equipment & Lens

If this is a static shot you’ll have the camera on sticks (tripod). If it’s a tracking shot, are you using a gimbal or dolly? You’ll also want to be specific about the lens. Do you want a wide 24mm lens, or a 50mm for a more normal field of view? These creative choices affect your story, and require a lot of forethought. The more you prepare the more freedom you have to be creative during production.

8) Location

Is this an interior (INT) or exterior (EXT) shot?

9) Subject

Who or what is the subject of the shot?

Story Boards & Shot Maps

Story boards are also a common tool for directors. They allow a director’s vision for a scene to be visually laid out so department heads can get on the same page easier. Some story boards are very elaborate while my story boards are very basic. And in all honesty? I typically abandon story boards for what I call STORY MAPS. I cover these and shot list information covered here in the video below:

A Shot List Will ALWAYS Pay Off

Now you know how to create a shot list. It’s up to you to embrace the discipline of meticulously planning our your shoot ahead of time. This doesn’t mean you can’t change it later. But this discipline will open up new ideas for your film that may not have happened any other way. A great way to get ideas is to spin up some of your favorite films and watch them without sound. This will force you to study camera movements and learn from pro filmmakers.

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