Free Film Shooting List Template

Advanced shotlist options

Beyond the basic film shot list template elements, there are a number of details you can add. In StudioBinder, you can customize your shotlist with many additional columns to get as specific and detailed as you want.

In this section, we'll highlight these advanced features so you can see just how useful and detailed a comprehensive shot list can be.

7. STATUS (THE SHOT LOG)

Once the shot is complete, mark the row with the ✓ to track your progress.

Pro Tip: Marking shots as Nice-to-Have in advance helps everyone better prioritize the essentials on set—which is helpful if you start falling behind schedule.

8. SUBJECT

The subject is the focus of the shot. It can be a character, group of characters, a prop, establishing shot, etc. The subject helps your team plan when actors should report to set or when a prop or location needs to be prepped.

Pro Tip: Remember that insert shots are often the easiest to shoot, requiring minimal talent, crew and gear. Factor them strategically into your camera shot list while other shots are being prepped. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of insert shots on standby for shooting during downtime.

9. VFX

Here you can make a note of any VFX (visual effects) this particular shot might need. Make sure you VFX Supervisor is included when creating a shot list so they can advise on any special considerations needed while filming.

10. CAMERA

Designate which type of camera you're going to use and make sure to confer with your camera department so they are prepared. If you're on a multi-camera shoot, identify individual cameras or specialty cameras (e.g., drone, GoPro, security camera, webcam, etc.).

11. EQUIPMENT

Identify the camera equipment that will be supporting the camera (e.g., tripod, crane, dolly, etc.). This helps you anticipate the set up time for equipment changes.

12. CAMERA LENS

The Lens column helps your DP and assistant camera team (ACs) prep for upcoming shots. Changing the lens constitutes a new setup, and takes time to accomplish. Minimize setup time by grouping your shot list by lens setups.

13. FRAME RATE

The frame rate indicates if this shot will be normal speed, slow motion, or fast motion.

14. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

If there are any specific pieces of equipment needed for a shot (e.g., a drone, an underwater housing, etc.) you can include that information here.

15. SOUND

Is a shot covered with a boom mic or a lav mic? Both? Is the shot MOS (without sound)? If you have a complex sound setup, add it to the Notes column.

16. LIGHTING

This is where you can make any specific notes about the lighting of this particular shot.

17. LOCATION

Where you shoot each shot is very important to scheduling and organizing your shoot. Moving your entire crew from one location to another is extremely time consuming so grouping shots by location is essential.

18. PREP TIME

Setting up for each shot take time and calculating that time accurately will make your shoot as efficient as possible. Meet with your department heads (e.g., Camera, Grip/Electric, ADs, etc.) so that these times are accurate and agreed upon.

19. SHOOT TIME

Based on the script time, setup time and estimated number of takes, the shot list template will automatically generate an estimated shoot time for every shot.

We also add an additional five minutes of padding to every estimate just to play it safe.

20. TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME

The Total Est. Time column will allow you to add the prep and shoot time. This lets the entire crew know when they should be finished with a particular shot and move onto the next one.

21. START TIME

This gives the crew a general idea of how the day is scheduled. When you calculate your set-up and shoot times for each shot, the start time can be estimated.

22. CAMERA SETUP

You can mark the end of each setup so the crew knows exactly when and where each change will take place. If you've included prep and shoot times, the setup line will automatically calculate time for the entire setup.

Pro Tip: Setups can eat up a lot of time over the course of a day. Once the camera is set with specific equipment (or lens), shoot as many setups with that gear before switching.

23. CUSTOM NOTES

Our film shotlist template has two notes sections: notes for specific shots and notes for the whole scene. These could be used in a variety of ways, including for setups, meal breaks, etc.

24. COLOR CODING

To add an additional layer of customization, you can also color code your shots. This way, you can group them by setup, location, actor, etc.

25. PRINT VIEW

If you would like to print out your shot list, the print view will include the reference image along with all the shot specs.