What Is A Shot List?

In filmmaking, a shot list is exactly what it sounds like – a list of shots that need to filmed during principal photography. Typically created by the director and production manager, shot lists are designed to help productions prioritize efficiency. It all begins with reviewing a script and breaking down each scene into specific instructions that include camera angles, equipment required (lens type, filters, tracks, and more), shot type (such as wide shot, close up, cut-in, etc.), camera movement, sound requirements, cast members, and any other pertinent information needed to create a successful shot.

Abbreviations come in handy for providing clear directions without cluttering up a script with notes. Some examples of commonly used abbreviations and short phrases are:

• CU – A close-up shot
• ECU – Extreme close up
• MS – Medium shot
• WS – Wide shot, aka long shot
• OTS – Over the shoulder
• Dirty – Object in foreground (example would be an OTS shot)
• Clean – One subject is isolated in frame with nothing in the foreground
• Trucking – A shot that moves left/right
• Dolly – A shot that moves forward/backward
• Aerial – An overhead shot

Watch the video below to see some of these popular framing and camera angles in action:

“How To Create a Shot List Like Paul Thomas Anderson” by StudioBinder

For more examples of shot types, visit BHPhotoVideo.com.

Once the script has been thoroughly reviewed and broken down with instructions for each shot (click here to view a sample image), a shot list is then compiled based on all of the notes. It is typically formatted into an easy-to-read grid with uniquely numbered scene and shot numbers.

You can see a sample of a shot list here (source):

After a shot list is created, the next step is deciding on the shooting order. Shooting scenes in the same order as they appear in the script is rarely done because setting up shots for each consecutive scene can have drastically different requirements. Grouping shots together that are very similar as far as the location and time of day, the characters who will be in a scene, and the lighting and camera setup that is required allows the shooting schedule to be organized in a much more streamlined, cost-effective, and time-saving manner.

For more about the major considerations involved in planning the most efficient shooting schedule, visit SchoolVideoNews.com.

If you are looking for experienced crew to help you create a detailed shot list for your production and plan an ideal shooting schedule, check out our online Nevada Production Directory. You can also drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

We also have a variety of filming locations throughout Nevada as well as local studios offering full production services. Browse through our Nevada Filming Locations Database and contact us if you are interested in learning more about a filming location!

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