What Is a Shot List and How Do You Make One?
A shot list is a list of every shot in a video. Before filming it is the plan of what needs to be shot, after filming it is an overview of what footage exists. For editors the second version is especially useful, because it shows where each clip lives.
A shot list is a list of every shot in a video, usually a table with one row per shot. It comes in two forms: before filming as the plan of what needs to be shot, and after filming as an overview of what footage exists and where it lives. Both save a lot of time on the shoot day and in the edit.
The shot list before filming
Before filming, the shot list is a checklist. It makes sure no shot from the script is missing at the end. On social media shoots where several Reels are filmed in one day, it is easy to lose track without one.
An example for a Reel about a café:
| No. | Scene | Shot type | Description | Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intro | medium shot | owner speaks to camera | yes |
| 2 | Intro | close-up | hands pouring milk into espresso | yes |
| 3 | Middle | wide shot | seating area seen from the door | no |
| 4 | Middle | close-up | cake in the display case | yes |
| 5 | End | medium close-up | guest takes the cup | yes |
Row 1 is A-roll, the talking head. The other rows are B-roll. If a row is still open at the end, you know on location what needs to be filmed again.
The shot list after filming
After filming the question flips: what do we actually have? For the editor this version is often more valuable, because they don't have to scroll through hundreds of clips named C0034.MP4. This review is usually called logging.
Useful columns:
- File name and folder, so the clip can be found.
- Description of what is in it.
- Category, such as team, product, location.
- Capture day or shoot day.
- Note, such as "best take" or "shaky at the start".
This list is the heart of a good handover. What the whole handover looks like is in the guide on how to hand off footage to an editor.
Think of the shot list and folder structure together
A shot list doesn't replace order in your files, it adds to it. If the list points to files scattered all over the place, it doesn't help much. What works:
- Originals in fixed folders by project and shoot day, see Google Drive folder structure.
- Categories by subject through Google Drive shortcuts, so one clip can show up in several categories.
- The shot list as a spreadsheet that ties both together: which clip, where it is, what is in it.
That way the editor searches the list and opens the clip directly, instead of digging through the raw footage.
How Sorted creates a shot list
Writing a shot list after filming by hand means watching every clip. Sorted takes over the first part. Gemini from Google recognizes what is in every photo and video in your Google Drive (for videos through the thumbnail Drive creates), writes a description and keywords and suggests a category. The files land as shortcuts in category folders, and the originals stay unchanged.
With Sorted Pro you export a shot list as CSV that opens in Google Sheets or Excel. Pro also groups footage by shoot day and shares folders together with their originals with your team. Which take is the best one Gemini can't decide for you, that column stays yours. Try Sorted
Conclusion
A shot list is a plan before filming and a map for the edit afterwards. Use both forms and you won't forget a shot on set or leave your editor searching. More about everyday editing is on the pages for video editors and agencies.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shot list?
A shot list is a table of all the shots that are to be filmed or have been filmed for a video. Each row holds one shot with a description, the type of shot and often the location or scene. It helps with planning and with editing.
What should a shot list include?
At least a number, a short description, the type of shot and the scene or script it belongs to. After filming, add the file name, the storage location and a note on good takes. More columns only pay off if someone actually uses them.
What is the difference between a shot list and a storyboard?
A storyboard shows the planned shots as drawings or images in the order of the video. A shot list is a table of the same shots in text form. For small social media shoots, a shot list is usually enough.
Can I create a shot list from existing footage?
Yes, that is often called logging. By hand it means watching every clip and writing a row. With Sorted Pro you can export a shot list as CSV from your sorted footage in Google Drive.
Do I need a shot list for a short Reel?
A short one helps even for a single Reel, because it reminds you on set which B-roll the script needs. When you film several Reels in one day, it is the easiest way to make sure no shot is missing.