From Script to Screen: The Power of a Shot List Explained with an Iconic Scene. Shotlist template by ShotKraft

Scene 57 INT CARNEGIE DELICATESSEN

A great scene doesn’t happen by accident. Every memorable moment in film—whether it’s an intense close-up or a perfectly timed reaction shot—is carefully planned. That’s where a shot list comes in.

ShotKraft recently released a video breaking down the shot sequence of an iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally - the I'll have what she's having scene. While the script only includes dialogue and minimal direction, the scene itself is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The shot list turns words on a page into a dynamic sequence that captures every reaction, emotion, and comedic beat.

What Is a Shot List?

A shot list is exactly what it sounds like—a detailed list of every camera setup needed to film a scene. These are some of the items that the shotlist includes:

✅ Shot type (wide shot, close-up, over-the-shoulder, etc.)

✅ Camera movement (static, tracking, dolly, etc.)

✅ Focus & framing (deep focus, balanced framing, selective focus, etc.)

✅ Key actions & reactions

Think of the shot list as a blueprint for your shoot. Without it, you risk missing key shots or spending extra time figuring things out on set—time that indie filmmakers don’t have to waste.

Why You Need a Shot List for Your Film

Even if you’re working on a micro-budget indie film, a shot list will:

📌 Save time on set – No guessing or last-minute scrambling.

📌 Ensure you get every essential shot – No gaps in your edit.

📌 Help communicate your vision – Clear direction for your crew.

Breaking Down the Diner Scene

Let’s look at how a simple 11-shot sequence makes this scene so effective. Remember, without these intentional choices, the scene wouldn’t land the same way.:

🎬 Wide two-shot – Establishes Sally and Harry at the table.

🎬 Over-the-shoulder shots – Alternating close-ups capture their back-and-forth dialogue.

🎬 Close-ups – Emphasize Sally’s now-famous "performance" and Harry’s stunned reaction.

🎬 Cutaways & reaction shots – The stunned customers and the waiter help sell the comedy.

🎬 Final punchline – A perfectly framed shot of a woman saying, "I'll have what she's having."

Start Shotlisting Smarter with ShotKraft's shotlist template!

Why struggle with spreadsheets and guesswork when you can streamline your shot planning with an AI-powered shotlist template?

ShotKraft makes shotlisting easy, intuitive, and efficient—so you can focus on creativity, not logistics.

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