If you are working on an unscripted production the shot list you compile during shooting will be of vital importance to the director, the editor and the person who writes the commentary. It should therefore contain as much information as possible and be typed out neatly after shooting. Any interviews should be transcribed and attached to the shot list.
When shot listing you should note the following:
Slate Number or ‘In’ and, if Possible, ‘Out’ Point of Timecode
Give these details together with the number of takes.
Make this as concise as possible while describing the shot accurately. Always write down the different stages of a developing shot and note especially how the shot begins and ends.
When shooting on film always note whether the shot is taken sync or mute and note down any wildtracks.
Time the duration of the shot and note that down.
At some stage or other you will almost certainly be shot listing for an interview. There are one or two things to note about it.
If a complete transcript is required it can be made from a rough audio cassette recording at the time of shooting or a cassette can be transferred from the rushes later.
Try to note down the questions during the shooting, as you might have to feed them back to the interviewer during the cutaway questions.
