Script to Screen: A Simple Shot List Template Video
- Webmaster
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
The shot list template video is the bridge between words on a page and pictures on a timeline; the shot list template video converts story beats into specific frames, movements, and timing so the crew executes fast and the edit sings.
Why the shot list template video makes shoots calmer (and better)
A shot list template video eliminates guesswork by documenting intent, tech specs, and ownership; the shot list template video also prevents schedule slippage because everyone knows the next three shots before anyone yells “speed.”
Anatomy of a rock-solid shot list template video
Every shot list template video should include columns that keep story, logistics, and craft aligned; the shot list template video works best with:
Scene / Shot # in the shot list template video to keep takes labeled for post.
Purpose/Beat in the shot list template video describing the emotion or point.
Shot Type in the shot list template video (Wide/Medium/Tight/Insert/Vertical).
Lens/FOCAL in the shot list template video (e.g., 24/35/50/85mm).
Angle/Movement in the shot list template video (static, slider, push, pan, gimbal).
Audio Notes in the shot list template video (lav/shotgun, HPF 80–100 Hz, safety track).
Lighting in the shot list template video (key, fill, edge, practicals, gels).
Location in the shot list template video (room or exterior zone).
Props/Wardrobe in the shot list template video (continuity callouts).
Est. Time in the shot list template video (setup + takes).
Priority A/B/C in the shot list template video (must-have vs nice-to-have).
Owner & Status in the shot list template video (DP/Sound/Gaffer; To-Do/Shooting/Done).
Build the shot list template video straight from the script (step-by-step)
Skim for beats and emotions, then the shot list template video maps each beat to framing.
Mark transitions and practical actions, then the shot list template video assigns coverage.
Group by location/time of day, and the shot list template video sorts scenes by lighting block.
Estimate minutes per setup, and the shot list template video totals time with buffer.
Time math inside the shot list template video (simple formulas)
A quick shot list template video rule: Shot Time = Setup + (Takes × Duration) + Resets; the shot list template video then adds 15% buffer per location change and 10% per talent above two.
Coverage rules baked into your shot list template video
Use a 3-layer system so the shot list template video guarantees edit options:
Wide for geography in the shot list template video (start and safety).
Medium for action in the shot list template video (hands, products, gestures).
Tight for emotion in the shot list template video (eyes, textures, details).
Short-form tweaks for the shot list template video (Reels/Shorts/TikTok)
Vertical framing dominates, so the shot list template video adds a 9:16 column; jump-cut pacing is expected, so the shot list template video plans intentional head-nods and breaths for edit points; readability matters, so the shot list template video tracks safe caption space.
Audio and lighting notes that save takes in the shot list template video
Keep mics close and quiet rooms marked; the shot list template video should say “Lav + HPF 80 Hz” or “Shotgun boomed 12 in.” and list “Soft key 45°, edge gelled 1/4 CTB,” because the shot list template video that names the look makes it repeatable.
Ownership and handoff inside the shot list template video
Director defines intent, DP locks technicals, and AD sequences; the shot list template video then becomes the call sheet companion so every department leads a column they own.
On-set rhythm using the shot list template video
Before rolling, the AD calls next three setups from the shot list template video; while you slate, the gaffer pre-lights the following beat listed in the shot list template video; during resets, the script supervisor checks continuity against the shot list template video.
File naming and slate logic that matches the shot list template video
Use S01_SH003_TK001 and mirror the shot list template video numbers; when multiple cameras roll, the shot list template video notes A/B/C and post won’t hunt for angles.
Color coding that speeds reading of the shot list template video
Green = Done, Yellow = Shooting, Red = To-Do; by glancing at the shot list template video, leadership sees risk and reorders shots intelligently.
Example entries for a product intro shot list template video
The table shows how a single beat becomes camera decisions in the shot list template video.
Scene | Shot # | Purpose/Beat | Shot Type | Lens | Angle/Move | Audio | Lighting | Est. Time | Owner |
1 | 001 | Establish brand | Wide | 24mm | Static | Ambience | Soft key + edge | 10m | DP |
1 | 002 | Hook line | Medium | 50mm | Slow push | Lav + boom | Soft key close | 15m | Sound |
1 | 003 | Product hero | Close-up | 85mm | Slider | VO | Practical highlight | 20m | Gaffer |
1 | 004 | Social cutaway | Vertical mid | 35mm | Handheld | Nat + music | Motivated backlight | 10m | Op |
Variations by format inside the shot list template video
Talking-head favors static push-ins, so the shot list template video leans on 50/85mm; product demos need insert coverage, so the shot list template video schedules macro time; walkthroughs need continuity, so the shot list template video locks path marks.
Common pitfalls and fixes with a shot list template video
Over-packing days ruins momentum, so the shot list template video caps setups to reality; ignoring audio makes edits unusable, so the shot list template video forces mic choice and HPF; failing to label props risks continuity, so the shot list template video calls out duplicates.
Version control and distribution for the shot list template video
Keep a master in Sheets; the shot list template video link is view-only for crew and comment-enabled for leads; print one backup so the shot list template video lives if tablets die.
Post-production payoff from a disciplined shot list template video
When selects match shot numbers, the shot list template video speeds string-outs; when B-roll matches beats, the shot list template video makes VO writing faster; when gaps appear, the shot list template video becomes the pickup list.
Fort Worth Creators: Our Local Tip
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