Storyboard vs Shot List: What's the Difference?

A storyboard is a sequence of drawings (or stills) that show how each shot should look. A shot list is a table that describes each shot in words and codes: number, timecode, size, angle, movement, action and sound. Storyboards communicate look; shot lists communicate structure, sorting and handoff. Many productions use both on the same scene.

Quick answer

Need a blank board? Download the free storyboard template.

When to use a storyboard

• You need to sell or align on look before cameras roll.
• Complex blocking, VFX or stunts need a shared picture.
• Stakeholders prefer visuals over tables.
• You are designing shots that do not exist yet (pre-production).

When to use a shot list

• You are logging an existing clip cut by cut (reference study, reverse breakdown).
• You need sortable fields: size, duration, character, location.
• You will export to CSV/DOCX for editors or writers.
• Several people will correct the same document beside the video.

For column definitions, see the free shot list template and the types of camera shots.

Can you use both?

Yes. A common workflow:

1. Storyboard the intended coverage (or sketch key frames).
2. Shoot or collect reference footage.
3. Build a shot list from the actual cuts (timecodes + sizes).
4. Keep storyboard panels as visual references linked by shot number.

For short / vertical dramas, a shot list is often enough to study hooks and pacing; add boards only for key opens and cliffhangers. See short drama hook structure.

Example: same moment, two formats

EXAMPLE DATA — one moment from the public sample at storyteardown.com/example: Breakfast at the Bodega (Marina Elise, CC BY 3.0).

As a shot-list row

*Confirm movement in playback.

As a storyboard panel (described, not drawn)
One panel: medium eye-level framing of the counter, merchandise shelves behind, pastry and piping bag in hand — same information as the row, but as a picture instead of cells.

Building a shot list from footage

1. Pick one scene under a few minutes.
2. Mark every cut.
3. Fill size, angle, movement (literal first).
4. Add action, dialogue/sound, then purpose.
5. Export CSV or Markdown from your template: Download CSV · GitHub shot-list-template.

Faster first draft from your own clips

StoryTeardown is not a storyboard generator. It drafts an editable, timestamped shot list plus story overview and narrative notes from authorized MP4/MOV clips (up to 5 per batch, up to 5 minutes each), with exports including CSV, DOCX and Markdown. Review beside the video before you trust a row. Inspect a free sample · Open the workspace · Pricing starts at $9.99 one-time credits that do not expire (/pricing).