Underwhelming Shot Lists: Plan Your Placement!
- Indie Film Podcast
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
Chuck Norton and Victoria Horn share their experiences with indie filmmaking, focusing on one of the most common mistakes: not having a proper shot list.
A shot list is that magical piece of paper (or digital note) that can save a production from chaos. Chuck and Victoria recount their own epic fails to help others learn and laugh along the way.
What Happens Without a Shot List? (Spoiler: It's Not Pretty)
Picture this: a boom mic operator on set, ready to capture an award-winning performance, but no one knows what shot is next. The director shrugs, the cinematographer gives a blank stare, and the boom operator is left guessing where to aim. Without a shot list, chaos ensues. Lines get missed, shots are either too wide or too close, and the boom operator is left wishing for a crystal ball.
Indie Film Mistakes They've Made
Shooting Without a Plan: In his early feature Brown Truck (available to LowerGentry Studios newsletter subscribers), Chuck filmed with a basic camcorder, zero lighting, and managed about 15 shots per hour. Speed? Yes. Quality? Questionable.
Skipping Coverage: They've learned the hard way that coverage matters. A wide shot alone often isn't enough, especially when trying to cut around a botched line during editing.
Ignoring Rehearsals: Chuck and Victoria emphasize how shot lists and rehearsals go hand in hand. Knowing how actors move can make or break a shot.
Time Management Failures: Indie film sets are often a race against the clock. Chuck and Victoria stress that a shot list helps keep things on schedule.
Why a Shot List Matters (And Why Editors Will Thank You)
A shot list isn’t just for the cinematographer—it’s a crucial tool for post-production. It ensures all necessary shots are captured and helps avoid missing key moments during the edit.
Pro Tip: Always shoot inserts and cutaway shots for flexibility during editing.
How to Create a Shot List Like a Pro
Here’s a foolproof shot list formula:
Scene Objective: Clarify the emotional or story goal.
Camera Angles: Include wide, medium, close-ups, and inserts.
Order of Shots: Start with coverage before getting creative.
Collaboration: Work closely with the director, DP, and editor.
Flexibility: Stay open to spontaneous creative ideas.
Notable Indie Fails They Recalled
Chuck and Victoria cite examples like Catwoman (2004) with chaotic shot composition and Plan 9 from Outer Space with random stock footage.
Final Shot List Wisdom
Plan for coverage.
Rehearse and communicate with the crew.
Balance creativity with practicality.
Embrace mistakes as part of the indie film journey.
By crafting a solid shot list, filmmakers can avoid common mistakes while enhancing their creative process. Chuck and Victoria encourage others to learn from their experiences and keep striving for better results in indie filmmaking.
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