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Daily setup list

The 1st AD’s running order: setup, size, lens, action, cast, priority, estimate, target and done times and status, with a running total.

A daily setup list is the 1st AD’s running order of camera setups, shared with camera and lighting. The header holds production, shooting day, location, call and first-shot target, meal break and sunset or wrap-out time; each row has setup (scene-shot), size and angle, lens and movement, action, cast, priority (must, nice), estimate, target and done times and status (done, partial, moved). Estimates total automatically in Excel.

English Excel — Daily setup list (English)Print · PDF — Daily setup list (English)
한국어 Excel — Daily setup list (한국어)Print · PDF — Daily setup list (한국어)

The Excel file includes Example and Guide sheets next to the blank form. How to fill it in

What's inside

What's inside

  • Production
  • Shooting day / date
  • Location
  • Call / first shot target
  • Meal break
  • Sunset / location wrap-out
  • 1st AD

Setup order

  • Setup (scene-shot)
  • Size / angle
  • Lens / movement
  • Action (business / lines)
  • Cast
  • Priority
  • Est. (min)
  • Target time
  • Done at
  • Status
  • Notes

Wrap-up

  • First shot (actual)
  • Camera wrap
  • Moved setups / scenes (next day)

How to fill it in

What it is for

A daily setup list is the 1st AD’s running order of camera setups for the day, with an estimate and target time for each. Camera and lighting can prepare the next setup early, and the AD can compare actual finish times to see how far behind the day is.

When to use it

Build it with the director and DP once the call sheet is out, hand it round at call, and fill in done times and status as each setup wraps.

Field by field

  • Call / first shot target

    What
    General call and the time you aim to roll the first take
    How
    Match the call sheet; target times start from here.
    Example
    07:00 · 08:30

  • Setup (scene-shot)

    What
    Scene and shot number
    How
    Join them as on the slate, e.g. 7-1.
    Example
    7-2

  • Priority

    What
    Whether the setup is essential
    How
    Must or Nice. “Nice” setups are what you combine or move when behind.
    Example
    Must

  • Est. (min)

    What
    Time from setup to last take
    How
    Minutes only; the total adds up. Recalibrate after the first week.
    Example
    30

  • Target time

    What
    When you aim to finish the setup
    How
    Add each estimate in turn to the first-shot target.
    Example
    09:40

  • Done at

    What
    When the setup actually finished
    How
    Write it as soon as the last take is called; the gap to target is how far behind you are.
    Example
    10:05

  • Status

    What
    Whether the setup is finished
    How
    Done, Partial or Moved; note where moved setups went.
    Example
    Moved

Tips

  • Compare target and done times before lunch; the earlier you know, the more options you have.
  • Group setups facing the same way and flag turnarounds in the notes.
  • When the order changes, update the list and announce it on the radio.

Common mistakes

  • Estimates cover takes but not lighting and setup time, so the day slips by mid-morning.
  • Window or exterior setups are scheduled after sunset.
  • Moved setups are not recorded and drop off the next call sheet.

Filled-in example

Filled in for the fictional drama “The Temperature Between Us”. All people, companies and numbers are made up; the Excel file has the same example on its Example sheet.

Daily Setup List

ProductionThe Temperature Between Us
Shooting day / dateDay 3 · 2026-11-13
LocationCafé Ondo (interior)
Call / first shot target07:00 · 08:30
Meal break12:30
Sunset / location wrap-out17:20 · 21:00
1st ADJihu Seo

Setup order

Setup (scene-shot)Size / angleLens / movementAction (business / lines)CastPriorityEst. (min)Target timeDone atStatusNotes
7-1Wide · from the door35mm · lockedMinjun enters, sits by the window, ordersSua, Jaehoon, MinjunMust4009:1009:20Done
7-2Mid · Minjun50mm · sliderWhole order exchangeMinjunMust3009:4010:05Done
2-3Insert · apron85mm · lockedSua ties her apronSuaNice1511:50MovedWith scene 14 on Day 4
Total85

Wrap-up

First shot (actual)08:35
Camera wrap20:40
Moved setups / scenes (next day)2-3 insert → Day 4
Open the example full size · print

FAQ

How do I order setups?

Wide to tight and one direction at a time is common, but sun, cast availability and location limits change it. How many setups fit in a day depends on the production and team.

Why record both target and done times?

The gap is how far behind you are. Checking before lunch leaves time to combine or move “nice” setups.

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