5 reasons why you need a shot list for your film project
A shot list is one of those crucial elements that every film project needs — no ifs, ands, or buts. Next only to your gear, the shot list is the second most important item you’ll need prior to filming.
Here are few reasons why you need a shot list if you want your project to be successful.
1. You’ll create projects with structure
A shot list will help you visualize your film project’s concepts and get them down on paper. It’ll create structure by outlining the shots you want and and the shots you need. The angles, close-ups, wide shots, effects, transitions, and everything in between should be on this list.
For most filmmakers and video professionals, the shot list explains how the the film/video/story plays out in their mind. It’s the document they use to achieve the final project and make sure that no idea is forgotten.
2. You’ll manage your time better
Outlining the shots you need for your film will help you manage your time better. You’ll know to spend less time on simple shots and focus more on the shots that need more time. Plus! More time means more freedom to invest your time where it counts: a.k.a. the creative shots that make your project come to life.
3. You’ll know your priorities
With a great shot list, you’ll know exactly what order your shots need to go in. You’ll know what has to come first and what can be done later. It’ll give you the chance to be the power of your own destiny… And day of filming. This may not seem like a big deal, but you’ll be happy when the chaos begins and you have a way to temper it.
4. You’ll communicate like a champ with your team
If you’re working on a film project with a team, your shot list will be the communication tool you need to share your grand vision of the video/film. By sharing copies of the shot list with your team, you’ll ensure that everyone is on the same page. With this information, everyone will be more efficient and accurate with every shot and every scene.
5. You’ll make post-production a breeze
Making your shot list as detailed as possible (e.g. adding notes of shots taken) will help during the editing stage. The more accurate and detailed the shot list is, the more efficient the editor will be. According to videomaker, if you want to keep your production organized you should create shot lists to meet the needs of the three different production levels. First is creating a shot list for pre-production , second is building a shot log from the production stage, and third is the “ record made by the editor to detail what clips […] was used in the edit” from post-production.
Remember, your shot list is your film project’s road map to success. It’ll make the journey easier and it’ll make the final product better. With a great shot list you’ll never miss a beat and all the brilliant ideas you had in your head will be given the chance to be capture on film.
