I use the Scene nu mber with the letters for shots. Scene 1 would have shots 1A, 1B, 1C, etc. Then you would add in the take number for each shot. Shot 1A take 1, take 2, take 3......

And avoid using the letters "I" and "O" so as not to confuse them with the numbers.

I hope this helps.

I think it depends on the production. I do it: 1/1 1/2 2/1 2/2, etc, like you do.

I don't see any harm in the other way, though since nothing is ever shot in sequence, I don't know how you can have a shot number for the third scene since you probably have shot 1 and 2 yet.

Both ways are pretty much identical. If you are planning out your shots then you know exactly what you are shooting, why and when. You know what lens you will be using...what horizontal and vertical angles to shoot at, what lighting set up you need to set the mood and tone and why. Whether you use 1 or A...2 or B for the shots...it's the same thing. Use whatever works best for you...but plan out your shoot...know how you are going to edit so you know how to you have to shoot. If you understand how you are going to edit then you know exactly what to shoot. Documentary filmmakers may not know exactly what they have until they shoot, but for the most part they know if they have a story and how they are going to shape it.

I have to disagree. Planning every shot isn't the only way of doing things. In fact, I doubt it's the most common way to do things. Many times, it's fun to fly in and shoot on the spot. I've done it both ways and I've messed up with both methods and I've done well with both methods.

Always leave room for improvising and shooting on the fly, but most major films are planned out and use shot lists, shooting schedules, etc. with lighting, etc. planned out as well. It all depends on your end goal for your film.

Shot lists are pretty much necesary depending on your time constraints/memory.

Last summer at film camp we had around 2 hours to film a 5 minute short. I followed my shot list like the Bible for the most part, and when I didn't we ended up totally forgetting shots because we ran out of time.

So I think it more so depends on the production; I can have the same goal in mind but achieve it different ways. If I ever actually had the opportunity to work with an adept crew then I most definitely would use a shot list, if it's just me holding the camera directing two actors then no I probably wouldn't.

(haha well that's my inexperienced opinion anyway)