Making a shot list?

[Chris Messineo]

Hey Chris, I made a sheet up with those categories in Excel and showed it to a director friend of mine. He said, "That's not a shot list, that's some mutant hybrid franken-form covering 3 different departments."

Ryan,

That's awesome! I love that I created a "mutant shot list".

All I know is it works for me and in independent film that is definitely good enough.

Best of luck with your "mutant" project.

Chris

 

[yagfxg33k]

I build a shot list from my story boards that I work out with my DP. The list generally goes through about 20 generations until we are both satisfied that it makes the most efficient use of setups and time. Once on the set, the 1st AC manages the shot list. Once I am done with a given setup and called print, I just ask for the next setup. I generally have no idea what the next setup is until the 1st AC calls it out.

As for props and the like, since I don't use a property manager, I have my continuity person manage props for each setup from a list that we generate from the shot list.

 

[Brandon Rice]

Its funny. Maybe I am the odd man out here. But, I generally don't make a shot list but in my head. My co-director and I are on the set early, and we map everything out, and keep it in our heads. On a larger crew I'd write an actual list. But, I've never done it up to now.

 

[spidey]

always have shot list. or people will bother you to death.

 

[Blaine]

I use Gorilla 3.0 to breakdown the script into a stripboard, breakdown sheets and all the associated reports. From there, with script in hand it's time to do the storyboard. Notes on particular shots then go on the facing page of the script. So with the stripboards (and breakdown sheets), storyboard and script (with shot notes) we have everything we need.

 

[Matthew B. Moore]

Its funny. Maybe I am the odd man out here. But, I generally don't make a shot list but in my head. My co-director and I are on the set early, and we map everything out, and keep it in our heads. On a larger crew I'd write an actual list. But, I've never done it up to now.

Try it. Not only does force you to pay attention to every visual detail, but increases the communication level 10 fold.

I hate doing extra work, but my films become much more creative and clear if I baby step my way through every visual detail. We basically check off the day as we go.

I can't describe how the process opens my head, but when in the throws of making a film, I find my memory is increased and my mental continuity hightened.

I know I sound like a hippy, but it really helps a lot.

If you do decide to go for the shot list and SBs, I'd like to hear from you about the before and after sensation.

 

[bird605]

frame forge

frame forge

Great software program but way overpriced.

Not to plug anything, of course, as I don't work for them...

But I've found Frame Forge to be invaluable for storyboarding. It works far better than a simple shot list. If you know someone good with Lightwave/Maya/whatever, see if they can help, as well.

www.frameforge.com

David Kuznicki
Production Manager, WGTE-TV30

 

[PopcornFlix]

Shot lists

Shot lists

In addition to shotlists and storyboards, I like to use
floorplans and mark the script. The floorplans show a
bird's-eye-view of the actors, set and cameras.

(Floorplan fromHollywood Camerawork.
They sell a good directing course.)


I mark the script with lines like a script supervisor. That
way, the keys can look at my script, and know exactly what
to expect.

The wavy lines mean an actor has an off-screen line of
dialogue. IOW, you're shooting one actor, while the other
one talks out of frame. Marking a script this way lets you
see at a glance how many angles you've got of a particular
line of dialogue. It also helps when you look over the
scripty's shoulder. Her script is lined with what you
actually shot, so you'll be able to read it like a
musical score, and know how it's all going to cut together.

Hope that helps!

.: POPCORNFLIX :.

 

[Flash]

There's an awesome book called "Script Supervising and Film Continuity" that shows you in great detail how to note all of this, and break down the sides as above for coverage and continuity.

I never make those kinds of detailed notes like the Excel sheet, but I think it's a great idea for small crews, especially if you have to grab pickup shots later (and must replicate a setup) or are shooting out of chrono order.