FILM SHOT PLANNING CHECKLIST
Original planning sheet from We Are The Movies

Scene: ___________________  Location: ___________________  Date: ___________
What changes in this scene? ______________________________________________
What must the viewer see? ________________________________________________

SHOT PLAN (copy these fields for each setup)
Shot ID: _________________  People/subjects in frame: ____________________
Count: single / two-shot / three-shot / group / detail / other ____________
Size: extreme wide / wide / full / medium long / medium / MCU / CU / ECU
Angle or viewpoint: eye-level / high / low / overhead / OTS / POV / other
Movement: locked-off / pan / tilt / track / push-in / pull-out / other
Start frame: _____________________  End frame: __________________________
Action/dialogue covered: ________________________________________________
Purpose: master / establishing / insert / reaction / other _______________
Focus subject/target: ___________________________________________________
Sound required: _________________________________________________________
Continuity: hands/props/positions/eyelines _______________________________
Essential for edit? _______  Take/file notes: ____________________________

BEFORE SHOOTING
[ ] Identify the key action and response, not just a list of shot names.
[ ] Master covers the main scene action if a master is part of this plan.
[ ] Three-shot keeps the intended three people readable in one frame.
[ ] Insert gives needed detail, with matching prop and hand positions.
[ ] Complementary views have useful eyelines and screen direction.
[ ] Moving shots have safe paths and clear start/end frames.
[ ] Check headroom, hands, feet, background and frame edges during movement.
[ ] Record useful sound and enough action around the intended cut.

BEFORE WRAPPING
[ ] Watch the saved takes and listen to the sound.
[ ] Key actions/reactions are covered and focused.
[ ] Note continuity changes, preferred takes and any missing coverage.
[ ] Back up the media before reuse.

TERMS
Three-shot = three people in one frame, not three cuts.
Master = continuous coverage of the scene's main action.
Tracking = camera travels through space, often with a subject.
Coverage = the views needed to build the scene in the edit.

Illustrated glossary and sources:
https://wearethemovies.com/filmmaking/film-shot-types-glossary/
This sheet is an editorial planning aid, not a fixed shot quota or schedule.