A shot list is a detailed document that catalogues every shot needed for a video production, specifying camera angles, framing, movements, equipment, and other technical details for each setup.
A shot list is the production team's tactical plan for a shoot day. It translates the creative vision established in scripts and storyboards into a concrete, actionable list of specific camera setups. Each entry typically includes a shot number, description, framing (close-up, medium, wide), camera angle, camera movement (static, pan, dolly, etc.), lens choice, lighting notes, and any special equipment or considerations required.
Shot lists serve as the backbone of efficient production. They allow the assistant director or production manager to schedule the shoot day optimally — grouping shots by location, camera setup, or talent involvement to minimize time-consuming reconfigurations. A well-organized shot list ensures that no planned shots are forgotten in the rush of production and provides a framework for tracking progress throughout the day.
For clients, reviewing the shot list before a shoot provides insight into how thorough the production planning is. A detailed shot list demonstrates that the team has thought carefully about every visual element. It also helps set realistic expectations about what can be accomplished in the available shooting time. If the shot list contains forty setups but only four hours of studio time, something will need to be prioritized — and it is better to have that conversation before the cameras roll.
B-roll is supplementary footage that is intercut with the primary footage (A-roll) to provide visual variety, context, and illustrative imagery that supports the main narrative.
A moodboard is a curated collection of visual references — images, color palettes, typography, video clips, and textures — assembled to communicate the intended aesthetic direction of a project.
A storyboard is a sequence of illustrated panels that visually map out each shot of a video, showing composition, camera angles, subject positions, and key actions before any filming begins.