What is a Shot List? Definition, Template & How to Create One

For filmmakers, photographers, and video creators, a shot list template is an essential production tool. Think of a shot list document as a detailed breakdown of every shot required for a project—a visual to-do list that serves as the blueprint for production. By starting with a structured shot list, you ensure nothing gets overlooked on set.

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What is a Shot List?

A shot list keeps the director, DP (Director of Photography), and crew aligned by streamlining workflows, supporting time management, and preventing missed angles or shots for the edit. A film production shot list is a foundational tool for filmmakers, but it’s equally valuable in other creative fields—from advertising campaigns and branded content to fashion and editorial photography.

Why Use a Shot List Template?

A shot list saves time by organizing a production’s workflow—but its impact goes further. A well-structured shot list supports both budgeting and scheduling, making it a critical part of guaranteeing your project’s success. And you don’t need to start from scratch each time: using a production shot list template streamlines the process and ensures no details are overlooked.

Remember: your shot list connects directly to your production’s shoot schedule. By working from a shot list schedule template, you’re not only saving time—you’re creating a clear, repeatable system for day-of-filming that keeps your cast and crew aligned.

The importance of a shot list can be summed up in three key benefits:

1. Improves Communication: Provides a single reference point for directors, crew, and stakeholders.
2. Supports Scheduling & Budgeting: Ties each shot to time and resources, making the template a vital tool for producers and above-the-line crew.
3. Ensures Consistency: Reduces errors and prevents missed details across complex productions.

Shot List Format: Key Elements Every Template Should Have

A professional shot list format gives structure to your production, ensuring that creative and technical details are captured in one place. While each project will require slight adjustments, shot breakdown templates can include the following elements:

• Scene & Shot Number: Helps cross-reference the script, call sheet, and production notes.
• Shot Description: A short summary of the action, subject, or story beat.
• Shot Type/Size: Wide shot (WS), medium shot (MS), or close-up (CU)–these are just a few types of classic subject framing. (For a deeper dive, see our blog on Mastering Camera Shots and Angles).
• Camera Angle: Eye-level, high angle, or low angle—this is the perspective you want the audience to experience on screen.
• Camera Movement: Pan, tilt, dolly, static, or handheld are some of the camera movements you might see on a shot list.
• Equipment & Lens: Specifies which camera, lens, or rig (i.e., tripod, Steadicam) will be used.
• Audio Notes: Identifies how sound will be captured—boom mic, lav, or MOS (no sound).
• Director/DP Notes: Space for creative or technical details like lighting cues, special effects, or performance or safety notes.

While not all of these categories may be used on a particular shot list, these categories create a loose guide that acts as a single source of information for the crew. By using a consistent format, filmmakers can plan efficiently, communicate clearly, and avoid mistakes during production.

How Users Can Create the Shot List from LTX Studio

While LTX Studio doesn’t export directly into a shot list template, you can build one using your storyboard as a direct reference. For instance, each panel in the Storyboard workspace already includes the production details you need, such as shot description, camera angle, and framing. These details can be transferred into a structured shot list spreadsheet. 

Here’s how you can build your shot list using LTX Studio:

1. Export your storyboard as a Pitch Deck using the “Share” button on the top right-hand corner.
2. Open the deck and use the Storyboard page for visual reference.
3. Copy relevant information from each frame in the LTX Studio Storyboard workspace, including scene description, framing, and angle. 
4. Add additional columns you may need, such as equipment, movement, or notes. 
5. Use images from the Pitch Deck as reference points.

This workflow ensures your production shot list template remains aligned with your storyboard, creating consistency between pre-production planning and on-set execution. For projects requiring screenplay development, consider reviewing our guide on how to write a short film script to ensure your shot list properly serves your narrative structure.

Bring Your Shot List Template to Life with LTX Studio

A shot list template is essential for organized film and video production, giving creators more efficiency and structure from the start. When you use the LTX Studio platform, you can export your storyboard and leverage this when you build your shot list, using the visual cues you’ve already developed during the AI-assisted creative process. 

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Use LTX Studio’s storyboarding tools to create your professional shot list for your next project and get started with LTX Studio today.