How to use the shot list maker
- Name the project and set the shoot date. These appear at the top when you print.
- Add a row for each setup: scene number, shot ID (1A, 1B…), shot size, camera movement, lens and a short description of the action.
- Estimate minutes per setup, including lighting and resets. The total tells you whether the day is realistic.
- Reorder with the arrows to group setups by location or lighting, which saves hours on set.
- Print or export. Print a copy for the crew, or export to CSV for Google Sheets, Excel or Numbers. On the day, tick shots off as you get them.
Your list saves automatically in this browser. Export a CSV to keep a backup or move it to another device.
Shot sizes
| Code | Name | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| EWS | Extreme wide shot | The whole environment; people are tiny or absent |
| WS | Wide shot | A person head to toe within their surroundings |
| MWS | Medium wide (cowboy) | From about mid-thigh up |
| MS | Medium shot | From the waist up, the workhorse of dialogue |
| MCU | Medium close-up | Chest and shoulders up |
| CU | Close-up | The face fills the frame |
| ECU | Extreme close-up | A detail: eyes, hands, an object |
| OTS | Over the shoulder | One person framed past another's shoulder |
| POV | Point of view | What a character sees |
| Insert | Insert | A cutaway detail, like a phone screen or a note |
Camera movements
- Pan / tilt: the camera rotates horizontally or vertically on a fixed point.
- Dolly in / out: the camera physically moves toward or away from the subject. It feels different from a zoom because perspective changes.
- Truck: the camera moves sideways, parallel to the action.
- Pedestal: the camera moves straight up or down.
- Handheld / gimbal: organic, energetic movement, or smooth, floating movement.
- Crane: large sweeping vertical moves, often for reveals.
How long does each shot take?
Rough planning numbers for small crews:
- New lighting setup: 30–60 minutes or more
- New angle, same lighting: 10–20 minutes
- Simple insert or cutaway: 5–10 minutes
- Moving shots (dolly, gimbal, crane): add time for rehearsal, typically double
Schedule your most important shots early, while the energy and light are good, and save the "nice to haves" for the end. Planning around the sun? Check the golden hour calculator. Choosing lenses? The field of view calculator shows what each will frame from your camera position.
Frequently asked questions
What should a shot list include?
At minimum: scene and shot number, shot size, camera movement and a description of the action. Many productions add lens, location, cast, props, audio notes and estimated time.
What is the difference between a shot list and a storyboard?
A storyboard shows each shot as a drawing. A shot list describes them in a table. Shot lists are faster to make and easier to reorder, so many productions use one even when they also have boards.
Can I open my shot list in Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Click “Export CSV” and open the file in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets (File → Import).
Is my shot list saved?
Yes, automatically, in this browser on this device. It isn’t uploaded anywhere. Export a CSV if you want a backup or need it on another device.
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. Calculations are estimates. Sun times can vary slightly with terrain, elevation and atmospheric conditions. Found a mistake? Tell us.