Shot List Generator

Parse screenplays, collaboratively determine shots, and generate production-ready PDF shot lists.

Workflow Overview

1. Parse Script → Extract scenes, locations, characters, action
2. Collaborate → Discuss shot choices scene-by-scene with user
3. Generate PDF → Create professional, printable shot list

Step 1: Parse the Script

Support formats: .fountain, .fdx, .txt, .pdf, .docx

Scene Extraction Pattern

Extract from script:

• Scene number (auto-generate if missing)
• Scene heading (INT./EXT., location, time)
• Characters in scene
• Key action beats (story moments needing coverage)
• Page/timing estimate

Fountain/Text Parsing

import re

def parse_screenplay(text):
    """Extract scenes from screenplay text."""
    scenes = []
    scene_pattern = r'^((?:INT\.|EXT\.|INT\./EXT\.|I/E\.)\s+.+)$'
    
    lines = text.split('\n')
    current_scene = None
    scene_num = 0
    
    for i, line in enumerate(lines):
        line = line.strip()
        if re.match(scene_pattern, line, re.IGNORECASE):
            if current_scene:
                scenes.append(current_scene)
            scene_num += 1
            current_scene = {
                'number': scene_num,
                'heading': line,
                'characters': set(),
                'action_beats': [],
                'content': []
            }
        elif current_scene:
            current_scene['content'].append(line)
            if line.isupper() and len(line) > 1 and len(line) < 40:
                if not any(t in line for t in ['CUT TO', 'FADE', 'DISSOLVE']):
                    current_scene['characters'].add(line.split('(')[0].strip())
    
    if current_scene:
        scenes.append(current_scene)
    
    for s in scenes:
        s['characters'] = list(s['characters'])
    
    return scenes

Step 2: Collaborative Shot Planning

After parsing, present scenes and discuss coverage. For each scene ask:

1. What's the emotional arc? (Drives framing choices)
2. Who has focus? (Determines coverage priority)
3. Key moments? (Beats requiring specific shots)
4. Practical constraints? (Location, equipment, time)
5. Visual style reference? (Film/show inspiration)

Shot Type Reference

Type	Code	Use For
Wide/Establishing	WS	Location, groups
Full Shot	FS	Full body, action
Medium Shot	MS	Dialogue, interaction
Medium Close-Up	MCU	Emotional dialogue
Close-Up	CU	Reaction, emotion
Extreme Close-Up	ECU	Critical detail
Over-the-Shoulder	OTS	Dialogue coverage
Two-Shot	2S	Paired characters
Insert	INS	Props, details
POV	POV	Character perspective

Camera Movement Reference

Movement	Code	Effect
Static	STATIC	Stability
Pan	PAN	Follow horizontally
Tilt	TILT	Reveal height
Dolly	DOLLY	Approach/retreat
Tracking	TRACK	Follow movement
Crane	CRANE	Epic scale
Handheld	HH	Tension, energy
Steadicam	STEDI	Fluid following

Angle Reference

Angle	Effect
Eye Level	Neutral
Low Angle	Power
High Angle	Vulnerability
Dutch	Unease

Step 3: Building Shot Entries

shot_entry = {
    'scene': 1,
    'shot': 'A',
    'setup': 1,
    'shot_type': 'MS',
    'framing': 'Medium on Sarah',
    'angle': 'Eye Level',
    'movement': 'STATIC',
    'lens': '50mm',
    'description': 'Sarah enters, sees the letter',
    'characters': ['SARAH'],
    'notes': 'Practical window light'
}

Coverage Pattern

Master → Medium → Close-ups → Inserts

Step 4: Generate PDF

Use scripts/generate_shot_list_pdf.py for professional output.

PDF Columns

Column	Content
Shot #	Scene.Shot ID
Setup	Camera setup
Type	Shot type code
Framing	Description
Move	Camera movement
Action	What happens
Notes	Technical notes

Output to /mnt/user-data/outputs/shot_list_{project}.pdf

References

• references/shot_terminology.md - Complete glossary
• references/coverage_patterns.md - Common coverage strategies