Library / Shot lists
Shot list with intent
Build a coverage list in which every shot has a story job, visible action, continuity dependency and editorial handoff instead of being a list of attractive angles.
shot-list · graph · film · lens · coverage
Optional demo graph stamp
Five coverage shots for a locked character in one location. Still then motion.
Cinematic short template · Applies to the shared Mojave demo, not a private project. Worksheet notes are not imported.
Film Lock / Working resource / v1
Make the decision. Keep the record.
Build a coverage list in which every shot has a story job, visible action, continuity dependency and editorial handoff instead of being a list of attractive angles.
Download worksheet (.md) ↓Includes instructions, a worked example and a blank worksheet. Edit in any text or Markdown editor. Save your copy with your project files; it does not sync to the shared demo.
How to use it
- Write the scene turn before choosing angles. Each shot must reveal information, show a choice or establish a relationship that the edit actually needs.
- Duplicate the shot-row fields for each frame. Start with the worked five-shot sequence, then remove, reorder or add rows based on the story rather than treating it as mandatory coverage.
- Read the rows in edit order and check action handoffs. Timing is an estimate until tested in a board or cut; include only necessary movement and record sound that motivates a cut.
Review before locking
- Removing a shot removes identifiable information, not just visual variety.
- Adjacent rows agree on prop position, eyeline and screen direction.
- Estimated timings, missing references and unresolved coverage are labeled honestly.
Fictional worked example
The Last Signal
An original teaching example, not a customer result. Reference filenames are illustrative; no source media is included.
- Scene turn and coverage priority
- Mara chooses to warn everyone instead of calling for rescue. Essential: the switch to ALL. The entrance coverage can shorten, but the decision and its consequence must remain.
- Shot row: ID, size and story job
- CS1A / establishing / valley at risk; CS1B / full-body / Mara reaches radio; CS1C / close / she chooses; CS1D / insert / ALL switch proves choice; CS1E / wide hold / valley answers.
- Shot row: action and handoff
- CS1D starts with right hand entering frame, turns selector from RESCUE to ALL and lifts the microphone. CS1E begins with that microphone already in her right hand at mouth level.
- Shot row: camera and timing
- CS1A 24mm / eye-level / locked / 6s; CS1B 35mm / doorway / locked / 6s; CS1C 50mm / eye-level / locked / 5s; CS1D 50mm / switch height / locked / 3s; CS1E 35mm / room wide / locked / 6s. All timings are starting estimates.
- Shot row: sound and editorial intent
- Radio hiss carries CS1B into CS1C. Cut to CS1D on Mara's downward glance; the selector click confirms the action. Hold CS1E through the first answering light rather than cutting before the payoff.
- Shot row: locks and open questions
- All shots: Mara v1, relay-room look v1. CS1D needs readable switch markings. CS1E needs an approved valley-response design; keep its status open until that decision is made.
Preview the blank worksheet
The download includes these prompts plus project, version and approval fields. Duplicate rows when you need more coverage or episodes.
- Scene turn and coverage priority
- State the change, the essential shot and what can be dropped if coverage must shrink.
- Shot row: ID, size and story job
- For each shot, assign scene/shot ID, framing, angle and the specific information it gives the audience.
- Shot row: action and handoff
- Describe start state, visible action and end state, including the next shot's matching dependency.
- Shot row: camera and timing
- Record starting lens, camera position, movement and estimated duration for each row.
- Shot row: sound and editorial intent
- Name the sound or action that motivates the cut and whether the shot must play continuously.
- Shot row: locks and open questions
- Attach character/look versions and note anything that prevents approving this row.