How to Write a B-Roll Shot List
Quick answer
Read your script and mark every line that would be clearer with a visual. For each, write the shot (subject, action, framing, orientation), then group shots by location so you can film efficiently. Add a few spare shots and leave room to improvise.
Instagram, Facebook & TikTok · Only use clips you own or have permission to use.
Key takeaways
- Start from the script.
- One line per shot: subject, action, framing, orientation.
- Group by location and light.
- Add spares and close-ups.
- Tick shots off as you film.
On this page
Step 1: Mark the script
Go line by line. Highlight words that describe something visible ("I pour the beans"), a place, or an abstract idea you could show ("it saves time": a clock, a finished task).
Step 2: Write each shot
A simple table works:
| # | Line | Shot | Framing | Orientation | Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "I grind fresh beans" | Grinder close-up | Close | 9:16 | ☐ |
| 2 | "set up my desk" | Desk from above | Wide | 9:16 | ☐ |
Decide orientation now so you film for your final format. (Aspect ratios)
Step 3: Add coverage
For key actions, list wide, medium and close-up versions. (Phone B-roll tips)
Step 4: Group by location
Reorder the list so all kitchen shots happen together, then all desk shots. Note the best time of day for light.
Step 5: Add spares
Generic shots (hands, textures, environment) rescue edits when something doesn't work. (B-roll ideas)
Step 6: Check rights and people
If someone else appears or you film in a private place, ask first.
On the day
Tick off shots, note good takes, and film anything unplanned that looks great.
After the shoot
File clips by the shot number or subject. (Organize your library)
How VDOHBoost fits
Already have shots on your own Instagram, Facebook or TikTok posts? VDOHBoost lets you pull them out instead of reshooting. VDOHBoost's 9:16, 1:1 and 16:9 crops are center crops; if you need to reframe around a person, choose Original and adjust the framing in your editor.
In VDOHBoost the flow is Paste → Trim → Done:
- Paste a link to your own clip
- Tick the rights checkbox
- Press "Get clip" and wait for loading
- Trim the clip on the "READY TO TRIM" screen
- Choose a crop: Original, 9:16, 1:1 or 16:9
- Export, then "Download MP4"
VDOHBoost exports up to 720p.
Reuse shots from your own post →
FAQ
What is a B-roll shot list?
A list of the supporting shots you plan to film, usually tied to lines in your script, with framing and orientation.
How do I make a shot list from a script?
Mark lines that need visuals, write one shot per line with subject, action, framing and orientation, then group by location.
How many shots should a list have?
Enough to cover every marked line plus a few spares. Key actions benefit from wide, medium and close versions.
Should I decide orientation in advance?
Yes. Filming in your final format avoids awkward crops later.
Can I improvise?
Yes. The list is a safety net; film unplanned moments that look good.
Summary
Mark the script, list shots with framing and orientation, group by location, add spares and tick them off.
Ready to crop your own clip?
Paste a link to an Instagram, Facebook or TikTok clip you own or have permission to use.
Paste a link to your clip