shotlist

A shotlist is a production document used in film, television, and video that enumerates and describes each shot to be captured during a scene or sequence. It translates the screenplay into actionable camera instructions and serves as a planning tool for cinematography and scheduling. A shotlist typically lists shot number, a concise description of the shot, camera position and angle, lens choice, camera movement, framing or aspect, subject or actors, blocking notes, location, time of day, and any required wardrobe, lighting, special effects, or sound cues. It may also include estimated duration, slate information, and the intended order of shooting, which is not always the same as the scene order.

The purpose is to ensure adequate coverage, maintain continuity, and optimize on-set workflow. It communicates the director’s intent to the director of photography, camera operators, assistants, and production team, and helps with daily scheduling and call sheets. It is often created in pre-production from the shooting script and refined during rehearsal or location scouting, then updated on set as needed.

A shotlist is distinct from a storyboard, which provides visual planning through drawings; a shotlist focuses on the practical elements of shooting. In practice, many productions combine both tools, aligning shot descriptions with storyboard frames. Benefits include clarity and efficiency; limitations include potential rigidity and the need for frequent updates in a dynamic shoot.