A shot list is a detailed, ordered list of every camera setup you plan to capture in a scene or on a shoot day. Each entry typically notes the shot size, angle, movement, lens, and a short description, so the crew knows exactly what to get.

What should a shot list include?

Each shot should include a shot number, the scene it belongs to, shot size (wide, medium, close-up), angle, camera movement, lens or framing notes, and a brief description. Many teams also add estimated setup time and whether it's interior or exterior.

What is the difference between a shot list and a storyboard?

A shot list is a written, ordered plan of camera setups. A storyboard is a visual sketch of those shots. They complement each other — the shot list drives the day's efficiency; the storyboard communicates the visual intent.

How to Build a Bulletproof Shot List (With a Free Template Approach)

How to build a shot list that keeps your shoot on schedule. What to include, how to order shots, and how to tie your shot list back to the script.

A shot list is the difference between a shoot day that finishes on time and one that falls apart at lunch. It's your ordered plan of every camera setup — and when it's built well, the crew always knows what's next. Here's how to make one that holds up under pressure.

What goes in a shot list

Each entry should answer "what exactly are we capturing?" A solid shot list includes:

Field	Example
Shot #	12C
Scene	12
Shot size	Medium close-up
Angle	Eye level
Movement	Slow push-in
Lens / framing	50mm
Description	Sarah realizes she's been followed
Est. setup time	20 min
INT/EXT · Day/Night	INT · Night

The more your list answers up front, the fewer decisions eat time on the day.

How to build it

1. Start from the script and breakdown

Every shot serves a scene. Work from your script breakdown so you know each scene's elements before you decide how to cover it.

2. Decide coverage per scene

For each scene, plan the coverage: the wide (master) that establishes geography, the mediums, the close-ups for emotion, and any inserts. Think about what the edit will need.

3. Number shots consistently

Tie shots to their scene (12A, 12B, 12C). When the schedule reorders scenes, the numbers still map back cleanly.

4. Note movement and gear

Camera movement and lens choices drive setup time — and setup time drives the schedule. A dolly move costs more minutes than a static shot; flag it.

5. Order for efficiency, not story

On the day, shoot by what's efficient — all shots facing one direction, then turn around — not in script order. Your list should support that regrouping.

Shot list vs. storyboard

They're partners, not rivals:

Shot list — the written, ordered plan that keeps the day on schedule.
Storyboard — the visual sketch that communicates intent to the crew.

Use both when you can; the list is the one that actually runs the day.

Tie it back to the script

The strongest shot lists never drift from the screenplay. When a line changes, the coverage may need to change too. Building your shot list from a project where the script, breakdown, and schedule live together keeps everything in sync — which is exactly what Scriptease is designed for: plan the shoot from the same offline project you wrote the script in.