Shot List Template Guide

A shot list template standardizes how you document camera coverage. Consistent fields across every scene make it easy for your DP, 1st AD, and camera team to prepare — and easy for you to estimate how long each scene will take to shoot.

The Standard Shot List Fields

Every shot in your list should include these fields:

| Field | Description | Example | |-------|-------------|---------| | Scene # | Matches your screenplay scene number | 12 | | Shot # | Sequential within the scene (letters for sub-shots) | 12A, 12B, 12C | | Shot size | Frame size | Wide, Medium, Close-Up | | Angle | Camera height/position | Eye Level, Low, High, Dutch | | Movement | Camera motion | Static, Pan, Dolly, Handheld | | Lens | Focal length or lens name | 35mm, 50mm, 85mm | | Description | What happens in the shot | Sarah enters, scans the room | | Equipment | Special gear needed | Steadicam, slider, crane | | Notes | Lighting, timing, or other specifics | Practical lamp in frame |

Formatting Options

Table Format

The most common. One row per shot, columns for each field. Clean and scannable.

Paragraph Format

Each shot described in a sentence: "12A — Wide (35mm), static: Master of the kitchen. Sarah enters from the hallway. Practical lamp provides key light."

Storyboard-Linked Format

Each shot has a thumbnail storyboard frame alongside the text description. This is the most informative format but takes longer to create.

Organizing Shots

By Scene (Script Order)

Shots grouped under scene headings in the order they appear in the script. Best for understanding coverage per scene.

By Setup (Shooting Order)

Shots reordered by camera position and lighting setup. This is how your 1st AD will schedule the day:

1. All shots facing one direction (same lighting)
2. Turn around — all shots facing the opposite direction
3. Inserts and cutaways last

Your shot list tool should support both views — script order for planning, setup order for shooting.

Coverage Patterns

Common coverage patterns for dialogue scenes:

Two-Person Conversation

1. Master — wide shot of both characters (WS, static)
2. Over-the-shoulder A — OTS favoring Character A (MS)
3. Over-the-shoulder B — OTS favoring Character B (MS)
4. Close-up A — Character A''s reactions and dialogue (CU)
5. Close-up B — Character B (CU)
6. Insert — whatever they are discussing or looking at

Solo Scene

1. Wide — character in environment
2. Medium — waist-up, the workhorse framing
3. Close-up — face and emotion
4. POV — what the character sees
5. Detail insert — hands, objects, environment

Estimating Time from Shot Lists

A rough formula: 15-30 minutes per shot setup on an indie production. This includes:

• Camera and lighting adjustment (5-10 min)
• Rehearsal (5 min)
• 2-4 takes (5-15 min)

A 10-shot scene takes approximately 2.5-5 hours. Use this to plan your shoot day schedule.

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Build shot lists in Seikan — linked to your screenplay scenes, with storyboard frames and PDF export. Free to start.