Why Shot Lists Are Essential for Filmmakers and How to Create Yours

Read Time: 3 minutes

Many steps go into the making of a film, and one such step is creating a shot list.

If you’re planning a new film or video project, the following guide will explain what a shot list is, why it’s important, and how you can create your own.

What is a Shot List?

A film is essentially a series of shots that provide information and tell a story. Without the necessary shots, a film might not convey the intended information.

A shot list is exactly what it sounds like – a list of all the shots you’ll need for a particular scene or on a particular day of filming. For every shot, you might include information about camera angles, framing, specific equipment needed, actors involved, dialogue, and other critical details.

A shot list doesn’t need to restrict your creativity as a filmmaker. On the contrary, it can allow you to operate more creatively. Knowing you’re capturing the essential shots, you might feel freer to experiment with other shots that could enhance the finished product. You’ll feel more at ease thinking creatively and brainstorming on the spot, ensuring nothing essential is missed during editing.

Common questions: What comes first: the shot list or the script?

Writing a script for a film or video project is another essential pre-production task. Although some filmmakers encourage improvisation, they typically start with a script. Improvisation usually builds on a script instead of creating one spontaneously.

It generally makes sense to write a script before creating a shot list. A shot list reminds you of the necessary shots to ensure the edited footage tells a coherent story. To determine which shots are necessary, you first need to know the story an individual scene is telling. A script provides that information.

Why is a Shot List Important?

A shot list is vital because if certain critical shots are missing from the final edit, the finished product might confuse viewers. Assuming you can determine what shots you need on the day of filming is a mistake. Video production can become costly if any time is wasted. With a pre-prepared shot list, you’ll operate more efficiently during filming, saving money in the long run.

Drafting a shot list beforehand also helps identify if you need specific equipment or settings. Instead of last-minute scrambling, you can prepare by reviewing a detailed shot list, ensuring you have everything before starting production.

How to Make a Shot List

There’s no singular way to create a shot list. If you’re new to this, consider a standard process involving these steps:

Choose a Shot List Template

If you’re unfamiliar with shot list layouts, there are many online templates available. Research your options and select one that suits your needs.

(Bonus tip: If you’re new to video production, consider a video maker tool that offers video templates, boosting efficiency and potentially saving money as a result.)

Annotate Your Script

There are several reasons to script your video first before creating a shot list. Specifically, professionals often begin creating shot lists by annotating their scripts.

Review a scene’s script and jot down shot ideas in the margins. Collaborate with your cinematographer if you’re working with one to brainstorm shooting strategies.

Finalize Your Shot List

After deciding on the shots, list them in numbered sequence. The template you chose might format this automatically. Note that each entry should include details about on-screen appearances and descriptions, aiding in pre-production preparations.

Creating a Shot List: A Simple Way to Save Time and Money

Pre-production is as crucial as the actual production when crafting a solid film. By dedicating time to a detailed shot list, you can ensure a smoother and more successful filming experience for everyone involved.

Powtoon’s Video Maker Simplifies Video Production

Utilizing a robust video maker, designed for both amateurs and professionals, further simplifies video production during the editing stages. If you have limited video production experience, such tools make the process more accessible and cost-effective.

That’s exactly the type of video maker Powtoon offers. Sign up today to learn more!

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Hanna Abitbul

Hanna is Powtoon's Content Marketing Strategist. She joined Powtoon as a copywriter in 2019, after graduating from university with a specialized degree in marketing and business. She continues to inspire people to create incredible video content with blog posts, videos, guides, and more. Hanna's passions include reading, singing, and caring for animals (#proudvegan). Nothing makes her happier than waking up to her two black kitties who, contrary to popular belief, are good luck!