Shot List Template

What is a shot list and how is it different from a storyboard?

A shot list is a checklist of every shot you need for a video, organized in a table. It is different from a storyboard because it uses text and columns instead of drawings. The storyboard shows what each frame should look like. The shot list tells you what equipment, camera work, and logistics each shot needs. This page has a free shot list template to download as a CSV file that opens in Google Sheets or Excel.

A storyboard is visual.
A shot list is text based.
Use both when you plan a video.

What columns does a shot list template need?

A basic shot list template needs shot number, scene, shot type, angle, camera move, subject and action, location, duration, and notes. These columns cover the practical details you need on the shoot or in the AI model. You can add extra columns when your project needs them.

Shot number: a unique number for each shot.
Scene: which scene the shot belongs to.
Shot type: wide, medium, close-up, or extreme close-up.
Angle: high angle, low angle, eye level, or Dutch angle.
Camera move: static, pan, tilt, push in, pull back, or dolly.
Subject and action: who is in the frame and what they do.
Location: the set, street, or virtual environment.
Duration: how long the shot should last.
Notes: props, lighting, or anything else to remember.

How do you use a shot list during a shoot?

Keep the shot list with you or on a tablet. On a live-action shoot, work through it in order so you do not miss coverage. For AI video, keep it open while you generate and check off each prompt as you finish it. When a shot is done, mark it complete.

Mark each shot as ready or done.
Note retakes on the same row.
Skip a shot only if the story no longer needs it.
Use the notes column to record any on-set changes.

How do you fill in a shot list template?

Fill in the shot number first so you can refer to each shot on set. Then write the scene, shot type, angle, and camera move. Add the subject and action, location, duration, and notes. Keep each cell short and specific.

Use numbers for the shot number.
Write action as a short sentence: "She walks to the door."
Put the duration in seconds.
Add a note for anything that could be forgotten.

How do you adapt a shot list template for AI video?

For AI video, add columns for the prompt, the model, and the reference image. You can also add a column for the end frame if you want to plan match cuts. This turns the shot list into a full production document for AI filmmaking.

Prompt: the exact text you paste into the AI video model.
Model: the AI video model you plan to use, such as Seedance 2.5, Wan 3.0, Kling, or Runway.
Reference image: the image you feed in as a start frame, style reference, or character reference.
End frame: optional, but useful for match cuts or specific lasting frames.