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Shot List
Creating a shot list during pre-production helps organise the production day and ensures a smooth workflow. As part of our pre-production services, we provide custom shot lists tailored to our clients’ needs.
How a Shot List is created
1. Script, Brief, and Storyboard Review
The first step in creating a shot list involves reviewing the script, client brief, and storyboard (if available). This helps us understand the narrative, key themes, and visual direction for the project. By dissecting the script and brief, we can identify important moments, characters, and details that must be captured on camera. The storyboard offers a visual reference, allowing us to align our shot planning with the overall creative vision.
2. Create a First Draft of Each Shot
Once the script is analysed, we begin drafting an initial list of shots for each scene. This includes deciding how each part of the story will be visually represented, breaking down the scenes into individual shots that best convey the intended emotions and actions. The first draft is comprehensive, covering all possible angles and shots, giving us a solid foundation to build on.
3. Decide Camera Angle, Movement, and Other Specifics
For each shot in the draft, we decide on the best camera angles and movements to achieve the desired look and feel. Whether it’s a wide shot to capture the environment or a close-up to emphasise emotion, these choices are crucial to the storytelling. We also consider camera movements like panning, tilting, or tracking to create dynamic and engaging visuals. Specific technical details, such as lens choices or depth of field, are also determined at this stage.
4. Lighting
Lighting is a key aspect of how each shot will appear on camera. We plan the lighting setups based on the mood and tone of each scene, whether it’s natural light for outdoor settings or controlled studio lighting for interior shots. This includes decisions on the type of lighting (soft, hard, warm, or cool) and any special requirements such as lighting for night scenes or dramatic contrasts to highlight key moments.
5. Location of Each Shot
Each shot’s location must be carefully considered to ensure it complements the story and the visual aesthetic. We review the production locations to determine where each shot will take place, taking into account factors like space, natural light, and logistical needs. If multiple shots are required at the same location, we ensure they are grouped together to maximise efficiency on shoot day.
6. Group Shots into Categories
To streamline the production process, we organise shots into categories based on factors like location, actors involved, and equipment needed. This helps reduce time spent moving between locations or setting up different scenes. Grouping shots in this way also allows for smoother transitions between takes and ensures that we capture all the necessary footage efficiently.
7. Create a Production Schedule Based on the Shots
With the shot list finalised, we develop a production schedule that outlines when and where each shot will be captured. This schedule is essential for coordinating the cast, crew, and equipment, ensuring that the shoot runs smoothly. The schedule also takes into account factors like daylight hours, actor availability, and the time needed for setup and transitions between shots.
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