7 spots remain!

Learn from an award-winning documentary director whose films have streamed on Prime Video, Tubi, and screened worldwide!

In today’s filmmaking world, a well-prepared shot list can be the difference between a good shoot and a great one. Whether you’re creating a feature, documentary, commercial, or digital content, the right shot list allows you to capture your vision with confidence while keeping production efficient, on schedule, and within budget. More than just an organizational tool, a strong shot list helps you unlock creativity on set and ensures your story shines in post-production!

This exclusive Stage 32 lab will show you how to design shot lists that are clear, cinematic, and practical—helping you communicate with your crew, anticipate challenges, and keep every department aligned. You’ll learn professional strategies for maximizing time and resources while creating space for inspiration and collaboration. By the end, you’ll have the skills to lead your set with confidence and deliver compelling results.

Your Stage 32 educator, James Kicklighter, is a multi-award-winning writer and director whose work has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, The Times of India, and more. His debut feature Desires of the Heart screened at Cannes and won Best Foreign Film at the Los Angeles Femme Film Festival. He also directed the documentary Digital Edition and is currently developing new projects with the producers of Se7en and Short Term 12. A Georgia Southern University alum, James was named to their “40 Under 40” for his leadership and impact in media.

Through group sessions and one-on-one consultations, James will guide you step by step through script analysis, scene breakdowns, coverage planning, shot organization, and formatting your lists in a way crews can easily follow. Whether you’re refining an existing project or starting from scratch, you’ll gain proven techniques that James has used across festival premieres, theatrical releases, and award-winning productions.

This interactive Stage 32 lab, hosted on Zoom, goes deeper than a webinar. Once you sign up, you’ll be connected directly with your educator via email and receive a personalized questionnaire to get started. You’ll have access to James throughout the class to ask questions about your craft or career—it’s like having a mentor on demand. If you can’t attend live, no problem—recordings will be available within 48 hours in your Stage 32 Library. Plus, you’ll join a private lounge where you can collaborate, share ideas, and network with fellow creatives.

PRAISE FROM JAMES'S TEACHINGS:

“His experience and expertise as a writer and producer of film were greatly enhanced by his enthusiasm and energy as a speaker. He presented a series of workshops in the production of film, and also was the keynote speaker at our Young Writer's Conference. In both cases, he was able to inspire and connect to many different age groups including several professors in attendance.” - Gareth Jones, Brewton-Parker College

“I think James is a rare breed of artist that combines his business and marketing skills with a cohesive artistic vision. ” - Jason Winn, Film Director

“James is sharp as a razor, quick to grasp an idea, and like mercury when it comes to social media.” - Lilly Lee, Co-Founder, UNICEF Chinese Children’s Initiative

“James exceeds your expectations and helps turn your ideas into reality.” - Susan Woolf, Director of Operations, National Student Leadership Conference

“James is an extraordinary individual. He represents to me, the best of what this business holds in the next few decades.” – Gemma Puglisi, Assistant Professor, American University

WEEK 1 – Introduction, Elements Of Visual Storytelling

This week we will cover the syllabus, your goals for this lab, and launch into a discussion of what elements you need to consider when planning your visual coverage, drawing from real-world examples including award-winning documentaries and narrative features.

• The fundamental relationship between shot lists and storytelling, exploring how different shot types serve narrative purposes across genres

• The essential components of a professional shot list

• How to analyze scripts for visual opportunities and coverage needs. We will address the differences between coverage for different genres and formats, 

• Case study professional shot list examples from festival-winning films

• How to balance thoroughness with practicality 

• Shot list as a collaboration between director, cinematographer, and crew

ASSIGNMENT:

• Choose 10 pages from a script (for your own project) that you will shot list throughout the lab

• Research and analyze three professional shot lists from different genres or formats, including at least one documentary and one narrative example

• Write a one-page analysis of your chosen scene's storytelling goals and potential visual challenges

WEEK 2 – Script Breakdown And Coverage Planning

This week we will discuss the methodical approach to breaking down a script for shot planning, incorporating techniques used in both narrative features and documentary productions. 

• Review of the first scene of your chosen script pages together, working on how to identify story beats within scenes and determine the minimum coverage needed to support editing

• We will talk about the relationship between shot types and their narrative functions, 

• How to plan for different shooting scenarios, location constraints and time limitations 

• Budget and equipment considerations that affect shot planning, from festival film constraints to streaming platform requirements.

ASSIGNMENT: Create a comprehensive breakdown of your first chosen scene, identifying:

• All story beats and emotional moments

• Minimum coverage requirements that would satisfy both festival screenings and distribution platforms

• Potential camera setups 

• Equipment needs scaled appropriately for your production level and distribution goals

WEEK 3 – Shot List Consultations (One-on-One Consultations – No Online Class)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding your first scene breakdown and initial shot planning. Each student will submit their scene analysis and preliminary shot ideas in advance and will have a consultation to discuss what works, what's missing, and how to refine their approach. 

ASSIGNMENT: Address any notes given on your breakdown and begin drafting your actual shot list using proper formatting and numbering systems 

WEEK 4 – Technical Specifications and Crew Communication

This week we will focus on the technical aspects of shot listing that ensure smooth production, Using the guidance from your first scene of shot lists, we will cover how to specify camera movements (static, pan, tilt, dolly, crane, handheld, Steadicam) and when each is appropriate, examining how these choices serve different storytelling needs from intimate character moments to expansive documentary coverage. 

• Lens choices and how they affect your visual storytelling. 

• Lighting considerations and how shots should be grouped by lighting setups

• Audio requirements for each shot and how to communicate them clearly, 

• Location-specific considerations and how to organize shots by practical logistics, We will also cover how to create shot lists that account for talent schedules and availability

ASSIGNMENT: Complete a full technical shot list for your remaining scenes, including:

• Complete shot numbering and scene organization 

• Technical specifications for each shot that clearly communicate needs to crew members 

• Setup groupings for maximum efficiency that respect both creative vision and practical constraints

• Clear communication notes for crew departments that anticipate potential challenges and solutions

• Completion of remaining shots for the 10 selected pages from your script

WEEK 5 – Final Shot Lists and Production Planning

We will review your completed shot lists, discussing how to finalize shot lists for actual production use, including formatting for on-set reference and creating backup plans for common production challenges. 

• How to use your shot list during production and adapting when circumstances change

•  We will address digital tools and apps that can enhance shot list management on set,

• We will cover how shot lists integrate with other production documents 

• How to evaluate the success of your shot list after production and learn from the experience

The assignment this week will be to present your final shot list along with a production plan that includes:

• A complete, professional shot list ready for production 

• A shooting schedule organized by setup efficiency 

• Contingency plans for potential production challenges based on common issues 

• A post-production notes system for tracking coverage that facilitates smooth collaboration with editors and other post-production professionals

Final presentations will include a brief pitch of your scene's visual approach and how your shot list serves the story, followed by peer feedback and instructor notes for future projects. Students will demonstrate their understanding of how shot planning serves both creative vision and practical production needs, preparing them for professional filmmaking environments ranging from independent productions to major platform releases.

This lab is perfect for filmmakers at all stages of their careers:

• Beginners & Emerging Creators: Learn how to structure your shoots from the ground up and gain confidence translating ideas to visuals.

• Intermediate Filmmakers: Refine your shot lists, improve crew communication, and streamline production workflow.

• Experienced Directors & Producers: Master advanced strategies to maximize efficiency, anticipate challenges, and elevate your storytelling.

• Cinematographers, ADs, and Writers: Gain practical tools to plan coverage, organize sequences, and translate scripts into compelling visuals.

Saturday October 11th, 10am-12pm PT

Saturday October 18th, 10am-12pm PT

Saturday October 25th, 10am-12pm PT

Saturday November 1st, 10am-12pm PT

Saturday November 8th, 10am-12pm PT