Shotlist App

Think of a shot list like a grocery list. To make a certain dish, you need certain ingredients. To film a certain scene, you need certain shots. The shot list is a planning document used to both refine the director's vision and to help schedule the most efficient production.

One way to make a shot list is to read through your script, scene by scene, and decide what shots would best tell the story. Write those shots down and include any relevant details your crew needs to know, like shot size, camera lens, special equipment, special effects, etc. Then, reorder the list for scheduling purposes so the crew knows what shots will be done and which shooting days.

Having a shot list for a photoshoot is never a bad idea. A good photographer will work with you on the shot list, especially for important events like weddings and birthdays, so that you can agree on what the most important moments to capture will be.

In film, the director usually makes the shot list. In photography, the photographer will often provide a list of suggestions based on the event, but the client might also have ideas as well.

The most streamlined layout for a shot list is a spreadsheet, where each row is a different shot, and each column is a different specification, like frame rate, camera lens, shot size, etc.

A shot list is not necessary, but it is highly recommended. Having a clear plan before walking onto set will keep the production flowing and build confidence in the crew that they can follow the plan.