What Is a Shot List?
A shot list is a detailed breakdown of every camera shot planned for a scene or shoot day. It bridges the gap between the screenplay and the actual footage — translating the director's vision into a concrete shooting plan that the DP, camera operator, and AD can execute on set. While a script tells you what happens, the shot list tells you how it will be captured.
What to Include on Your Shot List
Each entry on a shot list typically covers the shot number, setup number (grouping shots that share the same camera position), shot type (wide, medium, close-up, etc.), camera angle (eye level, high, low, Dutch), lens choice, and camera movement (static, dolly, pan, Steadicam, handheld). A subject column identifies who or what is in frame, and a notes column captures any additional detail — dialogue cues, practical effects, specific blocking, or continuity reminders.
Shot lists are organized by scene, with each scene identified by its number and slug line from the screenplay. This makes it easy to cross-reference with your script breakdown and shooting schedule, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks when you're moving fast on set.
How to Use This Shot List Generator
Click any field to start typing. Tab moves you between columns. Use the + Add Shot button to add rows within a scene, and + Add Scene to start a new scene block. When you're done, hit Print / PDF to generate a clean, landscape-format document using your browser's Save as PDF option. You can also save your work as an .lsl file and reopen it later — useful when you're building out shot lists across multiple prep days.
Tips for a Better Shot List
Start with your most complex scenes first — they benefit the most from detailed shot planning and often reveal scheduling dependencies early. Group shots by setup to minimize camera repositioning on set; your AD and grip team will thank you. Be specific with lens choices and movement descriptions so the camera department can prep the right gear. And leave the notes column for anything that doesn't fit neatly into the other fields: actor blocking, lighting cues, VFX plates, or insert shots you don't want to forget.
Keep in mind that a shot list is a living document. It will evolve during blocking rehearsals and on set as you discover new angles or drop shots for time. The goal isn't rigidity — it's making sure your creative intent is captured and communicated clearly before the pressure of a shooting day takes over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a shot list and a storyboard?
A shot list is a text-based table that catalogs every planned camera shot with technical details — shot type, angle, lens, movement, and notes. A storyboard is a visual sequence of illustrated frames showing what each shot will look like on screen. They serve complementary purposes: the shot list is the technical reference for the camera and AD departments, while the storyboard communicates framing and composition visually. Many productions use both.
Do I need a shot list for a short film or student project?
Absolutely. A shot list is one of the most valuable prep documents you can have on any shoot, regardless of scale. For student projects with limited time and resources, it's especially important — it keeps you focused on set, prevents you from forgetting coverage you need in the edit, and helps your crew understand the plan before the camera rolls.
How many shots should I plan per scene?
There's no fixed rule — it depends on the complexity of the scene and your directorial approach. A simple dialogue scene might need 3–5 shots (a master and coverage for each character), while an action sequence could require 20 or more. A useful guideline is to plan for the shots you know you need (master, key close-ups, inserts) and then add any additional angles that support the emotional beats of the scene. Be realistic about your schedule: on an indie or student shoot, you can typically expect to complete 15–25 setups in a full shooting day.
What does the Setup column mean?
A setup is a unique camera position. Multiple shots can share the same setup — for example, a medium shot and a close-up from the same tripod position might both be Setup 2. Grouping shots by setup helps your AD schedule the day efficiently, since moving the camera is one of the biggest time costs on set. Fewer setups generally means a faster shoot day.
Should the director or the DP create the shot list?
Typically the director creates the initial shot list based on their vision for each scene, then reviews it with the DP (Director of Photography) to refine lens choices, camera movement, and technical feasibility. On some productions the DP takes the lead on the technical columns while the director focuses on coverage and storytelling. The important thing is that both are aligned before the shoot day.
Can I save my shot list and come back to it later?
Yes. Click the Save button in the toolbar to download your shot list as an .lsl file (a lightweight XML format). To continue editing later, click Open and select your saved file. This makes it easy to build out shot lists across multiple prep sessions or share them with your DP for review.