Video Shot List Template
Showing up to film without a shot list means forgetting clips you need and re-shooting later. This template maps every angle, b-roll, and setup so a single filming session captures everything the edit requires.
YouTube & VideoPDF + CSV5 sectionsfree, no paywall
What you get
- A shot-by-shot grid covering angle, framing, and location
- A b-roll capture list so the edit never lacks cutaways
- A gear and setup checklist so filming days start without friction
- Editable CSV for filming days plus a branded print-ready PDF
How to use this template
- 1. List shots from the script. Walk through your script and list every shot it implies, including talking-head, demo, and reaction moments.
- 2. Add b-roll you will need. For each script section, note the cutaways the editor will want so you capture them in the same session.
- 3. Group by location and setup. Reorder shots so you film everything in one setup before moving, saving lighting and lens changes.
- 4. Check off on set. Mark each shot captured as you film so nothing gets missed before you tear down the setup.
Still choosing the tool you will run this in? Compare two side by side, or read how each profile is built in our review methodology.
What's inside
2 of 5 sections shown; the remaining 3 come with the free download.
What is a shot list?
A shot list is a numbered list of every shot you plan to film, written before the camera comes out. Each row names the scene, the shot type, the framing and the location, with a box to tick once the shot is captured. B-roll and cutaways get their own separate list.
It pays for itself the first time it saves a reshoot. Solo creators benefit most, because nobody else is tracking what is missing and a second trip to a location costs far more than the ten minutes the list takes. Grouping rows by setup also cuts lighting and lens changes.
Shot list
One row per shot. Order them by setup or location to minimize resets on set.
| Shot # | Scene / section | Shot type | Angle / framing | Location | Captured? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cold open | Talking head | Medium, eye level | Desk | No |
| 2 | Demo | Over-the-shoulder | Top-down on screen | Desk | No |
3 more sections and the PDF + CSV are behind the free download.
Tools that help with this
The template does the thinking; these are the products creators run it in. The full software directory has the rest.
Tella
Tella is a browser-based screen recorder built for creators who want polished videos without professional editing skills.
$19/mo
Loom
Loom is a screen recording and async video messaging tool that lets you record your screen, camera, or both and share instantly via link.
$0/mo
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source application for live streaming and video recording available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
$0
CapCut
CapCut is a free video editing platform by ByteDance that runs on desktop, mobile, and browser.
$0/mo
Categories to browse: Screen Recording Software, Video Editing SaaS.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shot list?
A shot list is a numbered plan of every shot a video needs, with the shot type, framing and location for each one. You build it from the script, tick shots off as you film, and keep b-roll on a separate list so cutaways are not forgotten.
Why do I need a shot list for a simple talking-head video?
Even simple videos benefit from listing b-roll and alternate angles. Capturing cutaways in the same session lets you cut around mistakes and add visual variety, which keeps retention higher than a single static shot.
How detailed should a shot list be?
Detailed enough that you can film without re-reading the script. List the shot type, framing, and location for each shot, and group them by setup so you are not constantly resetting lights and lenses.
What is the difference between a shot list and a storyboard?
A shot list is text: one line per shot, quick to write and easy to tick off on set. A storyboard draws each frame, which helps for scripted or animated sequences. Most creator videos only need the list.
How much b-roll should I plan per video?
Roughly one usable cutaway for every 30 to 45 seconds of finished video, so an eight-minute video wants a dozen or more. Shoot each clip for longer than feels necessary; ten seconds of a five-second shot gives the edit room to breathe.