Lesson 3: Shot Lists + Planning from Your Storyboard

Why this matters

A shot list helps you film faster and avoid forgetting important scenes.
It’s like a checklist for video.

Learning goals

By the end of this lesson, you can:

• Turn a story idea into a simple shot list
• Plan a beginning, middle, and end with shots
• Choose what to film as A-roll (main story) and B-roll (supporting visuals)

Key terms (simple)

A-roll

Main content: the person talking or the main action.

B-roll

Extra clips that support the story: hands, location, details, movement.

✅ Most beginners improve fast when they add good B-roll.

How to create a simple shot list (5 steps)

Step 1: Write your story in one line

Example: “A student prepares early for school despite challenges.”

Step 2: Break into 3 parts

• Beginning (setup)
• Middle (action/challenge)
• End (result/meaning)

Step 3: Create 6–10 shots total

Aim for a mix of:

• 2 wides
• 3 mediums
• 3 close-ups

Step 4: Add one “meaning detail”

A symbol of the story: shoes, book, tool, hands, door, sunrise, etc.

Step 5: Check feasibility

Can you realistically film these this week?

Sample shot list (example)

Story: “Morning preparation for school”

1. WS: Sunrise / outside the home
2. CU: Hand switching off alarm
3. MS: Washing face / preparing
4. CU: Uniform button / tying shoe
5. MS: Packing bag
6. WS: Walking out of home
7. CU: Feet stepping / school badge
8. MS: Arriving / greeting
9. CU: Book opening / pen writing
10. WS: School building / closing shot

Activity (20 minutes)

Create your shot list now.

Your shot list template (copy & fill)

My story is about: ___________________________

Beginning:

1. WS: __________________
2. MS: __________________
3. CU: __________________

Middle:
4) MS: __________________
5) CU: __________________
6) WS/MS: _______________

Ending:
7) CU: __________________
8) MS: __________________
9) WS: __________________

✅ Save it — you will submit it in the Week 5 task.