The Shot list

For: Groups of Two
Difficulty: Beginner

Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to make a list of important shots to gather in the field while covering a story.

Points to emphasize

• A shot list is just a “cheat sheet,” and videographers should be prepared to adjust their plan if needed.

• Shot lists do NOT suggest shots that should be staged at the scene. Never stage anything in a news story.

• Think in terms of wide, medium, and tight shots.

• Try to shoot at least one sequence

Equipment: One camera, one tripod per group

Assignment

Assign an on-campus story that each team will shoot b-roll for—no soundbites for this one, just the visuals. Before teams can check out equipment and leave the classroom, each team will submit a shot list with at least a dozen shots they plan to gather in the field. Keep the lists from each of the teams and compare it with the results of the shoot later.

Possible story topics:

• P.E. classes 


• What’s new in the library? 


• Construction on campus 


• Secretaries keep the school running 


• Industrial tech classes hard at work 


• The choir prepares for an upcoming performance 


• Vending machines mean money for school groups

NOTE: As an added element, have the teams shoot sequences of items on their shot list: wide, medium, tight, and sometimes extra tight shots.