Essential Columns for Your LA Video Production Shoot List
Crafting a detailed shoot list is fundamental to any successful video production, especially in a bustling and diverse city like Los Angeles. LA offers an incredible array of locations, talent, and technical resources, but also presents unique challenges like traffic, permitting, and crowded public spaces. A comprehensive shoot list is your roadmap to navigating these complexities, ensuring efficiency, saving time and money, and ultimately, capturing every single shot needed to tell your story.
Think of a shoot list as a highly detailed checklist that breaks down your script or concept into individual camera setups and specific actions. It's a living document that evolves from pre-production through the actual shoot days, keeping your entire crew on the same page.
Here's a comprehensive guide to building a Los Angeles video production shoot list, including essential columns and considerations:
I. Essential Columns for Your LA Video Production Shoot List
While you can customize your shoot list, these are the core elements you should include to ensure clarity and efficiency:
Scene # / Sequence #:
Purpose: Correlates with your script or storyboard. Essential for organizing footage in post-production.
LA Context: Helps tie back to location permits (which are often scene-specific).
Shot #:
Purpose: Unique identifier for each individual shot within a scene. Allows for easy reference on set ("Let's try shot 3.2 again").
Location (Specific):
Purpose: Details where the shot is taking place. Be as precise as possible.
LA Context: "Downtown LA" isn't enough. Is it "Grand Park - lower level," "Pershing Square - fountain area," "Hollywood Blvd - in front of Chinese Theatre"? This directly impacts permitting and logistics.
INT/EXT (Interior/Exterior):
Purpose: Indicates if the shot is indoors or outdoors.
LA Context: Crucial for lighting planning (natural light vs. artificial lighting), sound considerations (ambient noise), and weather contingency.
Time of Day (Planned):
Purpose: Specifies when the shot is intended to be filmed (e.g., "Day," "Night," "Magic Hour/Golden Hour," "Blue Hour").
LA Context: Golden Hour in LA is legendary for its light, but it's short! Plan accordingly. Traffic in specific areas can also dictate shooting times.
Shot Description / Action:
Purpose: A brief, clear summary of what happens in the shot.
Example: "Talent walks purposefully through bustling Grand Central Market," "Close-up of product rotating on turntable," "Drone shot revealing Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory."
Shot Type / Size:
Purpose: Defines the framing of the shot.
Examples:
ELS (Extreme Long Shot): Very wide, establishes location.
LS (Long Shot / Wide Shot): Shows subject in environment.
MS (Medium Shot): Waist up.
CU (Close Up): Head and shoulders.
ECU (Extreme Close Up): Specific detail (e.g., product logo).
OS (Over-the-Shoulder): From one character's perspective looking at another.
POV (Point of View): As seen through a character's eyes.
Insert: A close-up of an object relevant to the scene.
Camera Movement:
Purpose: Describes how the camera moves within the shot.
Examples:
Static / Locked Off: No movement.
Pan: Horizontal rotation.
Tilt: Vertical rotation.
Zoom: Changes focal length.
Dolly: Movement on tracks (forward/backward/sideways).
Track / Crane / Jib: Complex movements.
Handheld: Organic, often shaky movement.
Steadicam / Gimbal: Smooth, flowing movement.
Drone: Aerial perspective.
LA Context: Complex movements often require more crew and specialized equipment, impacting FilmLA permits.
Camera Angle:
Purpose: Describes the camera's perspective relative to the subject.
Examples:
Eye-Level: Neutral.
High Angle: Looking down on subject (can make subject appear small/vulnerable).
Low Angle: Looking up at subject (can make subject appear powerful/imposing).
Dutch Tilt: Tilted angle for disorientation.
Lenses / Focal Length:
Purpose: Specifies the desired lens or focal length for a particular shot (e.g., 24mm, 50mm, 85mm, wide, telephoto).
LA Context: Influences rental decisions and DP's prep.
Audio Notes:
Purpose: Indicates if sound is being recorded, type of audio, or specific sound requirements.
Examples: "Dialogue," "VO (Voiceover)," "SFX (Sound Effects) capture," "MOS (Mit Out Sound - silent)."
LA Context: LA is a noisy city. Planning for specific sound recording needs (boom, lav mics, sound blankets) is crucial for clean audio, especially outdoors or in busy areas.
Talent / Actors:
Purpose: Lists who needs to be in the shot.
Examples: "Lead Actor," "Extra 1 & 2," "Product Model."
Props / Wardrobe / Art Department Notes:
Purpose: Lists specific items needed for the shot.
Example: "Laptop, coffee cup," "Business suit," "Red floral arrangement."
Equipment Needed (Specific):
Purpose: Highlights any specialized gear beyond the camera package (e.g., "Slider," "Drone," "Ronin," "LED Panel Kit," "Smoke Machine," "Reflector").
LA Context: LA has endless rental houses, but ensuring specific gear is booked and available for your shoot day is critical.
Lighting Notes:
Purpose: Indicates desired lighting setup or mood.
Examples: "Soft natural light," "Dramatic hard light," "Backlight," "Day for Night."
Reference Image / Storyboard Frame:
Purpose: A small thumbnail or link to a storyboard sketch for visual reference.
LA Context: Helps ensure the crew understands the intended aesthetic and composition for iconic LA backdrops.
Status / Completion:
Purpose: A simple checkbox or "Done" to track progress on set.
Notes / Special Instructions:
Purpose: Any other relevant information or reminders for the crew.
Example: "Watch out for reflections," "Keep background clear," "Get multiple takes with different expressions."
II. Los Angeles Specific Considerations for Your Shoot List
Beyond the standard columns, LA's unique environment demands extra attention to certain details:
Permitting (FilmLA): For almost any commercial shoot on public property in Los Angeles (or many private properties visible from public areas), you will need a permit from FilmLA. Your shoot list will directly feed into the permit application, as it details locations, crew size, equipment, and proposed shoot times. Never skip this step. Fines and shut-downs are common.
Traffic & Logistics: LA traffic is notorious.
Travel Time: Build in generous travel time between locations on your schedule.
Parking: Research parking availability and costs at each location. Factor in parking for crew vehicles and gear trucks.
Street Closures: Check FilmLA advisories for potential street closures or major events that could impact your shoot.
Location Management:
Scouting: Thoroughly scout all locations in advance, taking photos and notes on light, power, access, and potential noise issues.
Noise: LA is full of sirens, leaf blowers, construction, and airplanes. Plan dialogue-heavy scenes for quieter times or budget for robust sound insulation.
Talent & Crew Logistics:
Call Times: Account for talent and crew travel, makeup/wardrobe time, and equipment setup.
Holding Areas: For larger shoots, plan for adequate holding areas for talent and crew, especially when shooting in public.
Safety & Security:
Crowd Control: If shooting in popular public areas (e.g., Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier), anticipate crowds and plan for crowd control if needed (often a permit requirement).
Gear Security: Never leave equipment unattended.
Weather Contingency: While LA is famous for sunshine, "June Gloom" or unexpected rain can happen. Have a backup plan for exterior shoots.
Specific LA Features:
Iconic Landmarks: If incorporating landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, or the Venice Canals, be aware of specific regulations and potential crowd issues.
Beaches: Beach shooting often requires specific permits and adherence to rules regarding dunes, wildlife, and public access.
III. Tips for Building an Effective LA Shoot List
Collaborate: The shoot list is typically a collaboration between the Director and Director of Photography (DP). Input from the 1st AD, gaffer, and production designer is also invaluable.
Start with a Storyboard: Visually mapping your shots with a storyboard before creating the detailed list helps clarify your vision and ensures you don't miss crucial angles.
Group by Location/Setup: Organize your shoot list to be as efficient as possible on set. Group all shots from a single location together, and then group by camera setup within that location to minimize moving gear.
Digital Tools: Use spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel) or dedicated production software (StudioBinder, Celtx, Assemble) to create your shoot list. These tools allow for easy collaboration, real-time updates, and often integrate with call sheets and scheduling.
Prioritize: On set, things rarely go exactly as planned. Identify your "must-have" shots versus your "nice-to-have" shots. If time runs short, you'll know what to prioritize.
Be Flexible: A shoot list is a plan, not rigid law. Conditions change on set (lighting, unexpected crowds, talent availability). Be prepared to adapt while still striving to get the core coverage.
Print & Digital: Have both printed copies (for on-set reference, especially if cell service is spotty) and digital versions (for quick sharing and updates) available to the team.
A well-executed video production in Los Angeles, whether for a commercial, a music video, or a corporate film, hinges on meticulous pre-production. Your shoot list is the backbone of that preparation. By thoughtfully detailing every shot and considering the unique challenges and opportunities that LA presents, you'll be well-equipped to capture stunning footage efficiently and effectively.
