A BTS Checklist for Best Behind-the-Scenes Coverage

BTS Shot List for a Short Film Production

1. Pre-Production (Before Production Days Begin)

    • Crew meetings or tech scouts
    • Director and DP reviewing shot list/storyboards
    • Table read or rehearsal moments
    • Cast wardrobe fittings
    • Hair/makeup tests
    • Call sheet photo
    • Photo of the screenplay (title page, marked-up page, or printout)
    • Crew prepping gear (if off-site or pre-light day)
    • Any candid interactions between crew/cast pre-shoot

2. Production Day

A. Cast & Crew Individual Shots

For every individual on set:

    • 1 photo smiling at the camera
    • 1 candid photo of them in action doing their job

Includes: Cast, Director, DP, Camera Crew, Sound Team, G&E, Art Dept, Wardrobe, Makeup, Script Supervisor, PAs, Producers

B. On Set: Production in Motion

    • Crew unloading gear
    • Set dressing and production design touches
    • Lighting being rigged or adjusted
    • Camera setup (rigging, lens changes, gimbal use)
    • Sound team placing lavs or booming
    • Makeup/wardrobe doing touch-ups
    • Director giving direction to cast
    • Crew watching the monitor
    • Script supervisor with notes
    • Actors in character between takes
    • Photo of clapperboard filled out
    • Clapperboard in motion being clapped
    • Emotional or tense moments on set
    • Funny or off-script reactions

C. Department Coverage

    • Capture crew in action within their department:
    • Camera Team – pulling focus, lens swaps, operating handheld
    • Lighting/G&E – working with flags, gels, stands, dimmers
    • Sound – boom ops, field recorders, lav mics
    • Art Dept. – dressing sets, adjusting props
    • Wardrobe/Makeup – last looks, quick fixes, product/tools
    • Director/Producer – coordinating, watching monitors, reviewing playback

D. Scene Work

    • Over-the-shoulder shots of actual filming
    • Behind-the-monitor showing scenes being shot
    • Reactions from crew to strong performances
    • Actors rehearsing or resetting between takes
    • Director calling “action” or “cut”
    • Scene slate matching what’s being filmed
    • Close-up of intense or pivotal scene moments

E. Interview Coverage

    • Director discussing the story/vision
    • DP talking about cinematography choices
    • Cast giving thoughts on character or scenes
    • Crew reflecting on challenges or set life
    • Candid in-the-moment sound bites (“This is day 3…”)

F. Cinematic B-Roll

    • Gimbal or slider BTS shots
    • Time-lapse of set build, lighting changes, or wrap
    • Creative angles: through windows, mirrors, between gear
    • Foreground/background shots (e.g., hands on lens, actor blurred)
    • Play of light/shadow on set
    • Details: clapboard, focus marks, dirty coffee cups, gear close-up

G. Wrap

    • Cast/crew packing up gear
    • Crew striking the set
    • Cast/crew hugging or celebrating
    • “That’s a wrap!” moments (clapping, laughing)
    • Signing of slates or memorabilia
    • Cast/crew sharing thank-yous or final thoughts on camera

H. Group Photos

    • Crew-only group photo
    • Full cast and crew group photo
    • Department group photos (camera team, G&E, etc.)
    • Goofy / serious versions
    • Optional: Polaroid-style headshots or groupings if that’s part of the vibe

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