Free Shot List Template Downloadable • Create a filmmaking shot List That Impresses | Blog
What's a Shot list?
A shot list is an outline that includes (and describes) all of the scenes that must be recorded during the production. There's no standard method to approach this, and various productions need different lists of shots that differ in their complexity.
Essentially, your shot list is a checklist filled with all the minute details that'll give your film a sense of direction and efficiency. Leave no one unturned.
What is the best shot list template?
Yes, of course! Our shot list is available in four distinct formats:
Shot List Example - Google Sheets
With dropdown lists, and automatic pop-up magic, we recommend using this one as it's most reliable and efficient of the three versions. Click File > Create An Copy to generate a version that you can use as a reference.
Shot List Example - Excel
It's simple, straightforward and on the mark. This format is great to organize your thoughts during the go, with multiple locations. It's not formatted for print use, so you should make use of this format on your phone or tablet.
Shot List Template - Microsoft Word
Ah, Word. A classic. There are no dropdown menus, or automatic calculation numbers are included for this release. Each criteria must be manually entered. The formatting may vary across platforms as well as Word versions.
Shot List Template - PDF
What do you do now? If you're reading this, let's dive a bit deep into shot lists, and learn ways to use the lists to benefit you.
A case for storytelling
We know that you're excited over the templates for shot lists. Before you can get moving, it could be helpful to draw up an outline of your story. The art of storyboarding can be a fantastic way to visualize the major scenes that propel your story ahead. Make use of your storyboard as a springboard, and create your list of shots around those anchor points. It's true that you're no Walt Disney, but he's not around anymore so probably you're more skilled than him when it comes to drawing.
How do you prepare a shot-list?
In, we make the shot lists for each shooting day, but you can also work off of one big list. Decide how you want to organize and go to the next step.
There are two parts to this procedure.
- The first part is picking and planning your photos together with the photographer's director.
- The other part involves managing (and planning) the shooting sessions. The above templates will let you do both.
Pro tip:Keep in mind that typically you shoot out of the order. The list of shots you're making must be grouped by factors like location, lighting, or whether you're indoor or outdoor.
If your characters go to a café in the beginning of your film, then they end up at the hospital. At the conclusion of the film, they're in the cafe again (personally I would not visit a coffee shop that landed me in a hospital, however). You'll want to shoot both coffee shop scenes at the at the same time. Keep those repeat locations in mind while grouping your images!
Essential list of video shots terms starting with A-Z
Even if you decide you're going to make your own list of shots and choose not to use our template for a shot list (no hard feelings), this glossary offers thirteen essentials that you can include in your shot list for any type of project.
1. Scene
Your scene number goes here. Simple!
2. Shot
Your shot is less simple but so important. Each angle can be a unique shot. If you're filming a broad shot of two friends discussing in a cafe this is scene 1 shot A (1A). Next, is an over-the-shoulder shot of one of the individuals at the table, that's 1B. Your next shot is a medium shot in front of the cafe and is a 2A. You advanced the scene, and restarted the counter for your shot.
Pro suggestion A word of caution: the letters "I" and "L" are often avoided due to their close relationship to the number 1 (and to each other). Another tip to consider is: If during your shooting, you include an image that's not on your list, append the shot by a lowercase "i" (e.g. 2Ai). That indicates "insert shot" not on your list.
3. Shot Type
4. The Movement
During this shot Is the camera still and/or does it move? If it moves, what type of movement?
5. Gear
In this column, the lenses are typically listed (if you're using a variety of different lenses throughout your video), but feel free to include necessary gear specifically for the shot you're shooting.
6. Location
This is where the shot is specifically taking place. If you're shooting across multiple areas of an establishment, make it particular "Coffee shop or corner table" "Coffee shop counter" and so on.
7. EXT/INT
Does your photo appear to be an outdoor or interior shot? Do you want to shoot it during the day (AM) or at night (PM)?
8. Sound
9. Notes
In this section, you will define the scene's actions or camera's movements in greater detail. For example "Camera is following Jack carrying his coffee off the counter to the dining table."
10. Cast or Talent
Who's on the photo? Are they famous? Can we get an autograph?
11. Setup Time
List the approximate time it'll be to setup or restart the scene.
12. Shoot Time
You'll need to know the time that 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. List 60 seconds (15 x 4).
13. Total Time
The total time will be exactly as it sounds: Your setup time plus your shooting time, giving you an idea about how long the entire shot can require. This information is vital for planning your shoot days.
One last thing
The shot list you create must be effective for you. There isn't a right or wrong approach to creating the ideal shot list. Add any information that you think can benefit your idea You are at liberty to alter or remove the criteria you want to include as you wish.
Commonly asked questions
What's a shot-list template?
You're in for a treat. Shot list templates are an editable or downloadable shot list which you can personalize to fit your movie. These are all shot list templates you can use right now: Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PDF. What is the first thing, storyboard or shot list?
We recommend storyboarding first, however, depending on the scope of your project, sometimes the storyboard and shot list may coexist in conjunction with each other. Storyboards help you imagine your characters while the shot list hammers in details, such as the type of shot the type of equipment, location, etc. What should be included in Your shot checklist?
If you're looking to expand your horizons We suggest reeling the reel in (get it?) in order to make sure your shooting schedule can improve efficiency and become the perfect at-a-glance companion to the day you'll be shooting. In the list, include information about which crew members need to be there (both both on and off the camera) and gear. Also, include details about the outside or indoor set-ups, the scenes you're shooting, and a description of the action shooting time, the total time, etc.
Making everything work
Your shot list can be (inevitably) the living, breathing document -- which means you must feel comfortable when things go oh-so-wrong. You might go entirely in the wrong direction on a shoot day. You might run into unforeseen problems with your crew members or Mother Nature. Either way, you're not bound to your shots.
Utilize your shot lists as a guide However, don't be afraid to experiment and see what happens.