Sketch comedy videos are a whirlwind of quick cuts, hilarious characters, and punchy jokes. To make sure your sketches land smoothly and keep your audience laughing, a well-organized shot list is key. In this post, we’ll break down how to create a shot list that’ll have your video production running like a well-oiled joke machine.
What is a Shot List?
Think of your shot list as the detailed recipe for your video. It’s a document that outlines each individual shot, including:
- Scene Number/Title: A simple way to organize your shots, especially if your sketch has multiple scenes or locations.
- Shot Description: A concise description of what the camera will capture (e.g., “Close-up of Sarah’s shocked face,” “Wide shot of the messy living room”).
- Camera Angle: The perspective from which the shot will be filmed (e.g., close-up, medium shot, wide shot, over-the-shoulder).
- Camera Movement: If the camera will move during the shot (e.g., pan, tilt, zoom, dolly).
- Characters in Shot: Who will be visible on camera.
- Props/Set Dressing: Any important objects or set elements that need to be included.
- Lighting Notes: Any specific lighting considerations (e.g., dramatic shadows, bright and cheerful).
- Sound Notes: Any specific audio needs (e.g., dialogue, sound effects, music).
Why Bother with a Shot List?
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just wing it?” Sure, spontaneity has its place, but here’s why a shot list is worth the effort:
- Efficiency: Having a clear plan keeps your shoot on track, saving you time and money.
- Consistency: It helps maintain a consistent look and feel throughout your video.
- Collaboration: A shot list acts as a visual roadmap, ensuring everyone on your team is on the same page.
- Flexibility: While it provides structure, it’s not set in stone. You can always adapt as you go!
Creating Your Sketch Comedy Shot List: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Outline Your Sketch: Start by writing a basic outline of your sketch, including the main beats and jokes.
- Break Down the Scenes: Divide your sketch into distinct scenes. This could be based on location changes or significant shifts in the story.
- Visualize Each Shot: Imagine how you want each scene to look on camera. Think about the emotions you want to convey and the most effective angles to capture the humor.
- Start Filling in the Blanks: Using the shot list template above, fill in the details for each shot. Be specific and descriptive!
- Collaborate and Refine: Share your shot list with your team (actors, camera operator, etc.) and get their feedback. Refine your list based on their input.
Example Shot List (Messy Roommate Sketch):
| Scene | Shot Description | Camera Angle | Camera Movement | Characters | Props | Lighting | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wide shot of a messy living room | Wide | None | Sarah, Emily | Overflowing trash | Dim, cluttered | Dialogue |
| 1 | Close-up of Emily’s disgusted face | Close-up | None | Emily | Pizza box | Overhead | Dialogue |
| 1 | Sarah throws a sock onto the pile | Medium | Pan left | Sarah | Sock | Dim, cluttered | Sound effect |
(And so on…)
Additional Tips:
- Storyboard It: If you’re a visual learner, sketch out your shots to get a clearer picture.
- Shot Variety: Mix up your shots to keep things visually interesting.
- Leave Room for Improv: Don’t be afraid to deviate from the list if a funny moment arises on set.
With a little planning and creativity, your shot list can be the secret ingredient to sketch comedy success. Now get out there and start shooting!
New York Improv Theater 