Edit-Order Story vs Shoot-Order Efficiency
Design your visual sequence beat by beat for story flow first, then regroup every setup by lighting angle, lens, and location so you never light the same wall twice.
Filmmaking & Commercial Video
Program #074 · Filmmaking
✓ Free Online Intro Included
Commercial Shot Listing, Storyboarding & Pre-Shoot Briefs
Plan commercial and short narrative shoots with clear visual briefs, edit-order vs shoot-order lists, overhead diagrams, and calm set schedules.
Walking onto a client set hoping to 'find nice shots on the day' burns hours dragging light stands back and forth across the room and leaves awkward continuity gaps on the timeline. Worse, clients feel anxious when the crew debates every next angle in front of them. In this course, we build DOP-level pre-production habits: translating scripts into complete coverage, re-sorting shots into efficient lighting blocks, and presenting clean pre-shoot briefs.
✓ Free Online Introductory Session
Start with a free online intro consultation for this course: we review the syllabus together, clarify how many sessions you need based on your goals and pace, and decide whether continuing Online ($69 CAD/hr) or In-Person ($99 CAD/hr) suits you best.
First Session
Free Online Intro
Session Rates
$69/hr Online · $99/hr In-Person
Course Structure
Tailored to Your Level & Pace
Instructor & Language
Iman Adlkhah · EN & Persian
Prefer just the written framework instead of live sessions? A standalone $39 CAD PDF guide option can also be requested for this course: select the PDF option below.
Looking for a turnkey production crew in Toronto instead of 1-on-1 training? See our Toronto Video Production Packages, Special Studio Bundles, and recent Reels on @tehranto.plus on Instagram.
Course Learning Pillars
Core Capabilities Developed in This Course
Every learner starts from a different background. These are the core capabilities this course develops, paced to your goals across the sessions we plan together.
Clear Thumbnail & Reference Storyboards
Pair quick framing sketches or reference stills with focal length, camera movement, and sound cues so clients approve the vision before shoot day.
Screen-Direction & Continuity Protection
Catch eyeline flips, jarring jump cuts under thirty degrees, and missing cutaway inserts on paper while changes cost zero set time.
One-Page Call Sheets & Client Prep Guides
Send structured PDF briefs covering arrival windows, parking, wardrobe color guidance, prop readiness, and weather contingencies.
Course Syllabus
Core Concepts & Topics Covered
Below are the main concepts and topics covered in this course. In your Free Online Intro Session, we align the exact depth and number of sessions to your experience and goals.
Topic 01
Script Breakdown & Translating Intent into Coverage
Breaking down a commercial concept or short script into wide, medium, close, and insert frames with motivated camera movement.
- Applying the 30-degree angle and focal-length shift rule so adjacent cuts feel deliberate
- Designing motivated scene transitions (foreground wipes, whip pans, match actions) during prep
- Tagging A-priority core story shots versus B/C bonus coverage for tight schedules
Topic 02
Re-Sorting into Shooting Order & Overhead Blocking Plots
Grouping shots by lighting direction, sun path, and lens mount while mapping simple top-down floor diagrams.
- Drawing clear overhead camera and lighting plots on iPad, Milanote, or ShotDesigner
- Scheduling exterior and window-lit interior scenes around morning vs afternoon sun angles
- Building realistic setup, reset, and buffer blocks into commercial shoot timelines
Topic 03
Continuity, Eyelines & B-Roll Cutaway Architecture
Ensuring multi-angle scenes, interviews, and product sequences cut together smoothly without awkward visual jumps.
- Maintaining the 180-degree line across two-person conversations and walk-and-talk moves
- Planning hands, reaction, and environment inserts that let editors trim spoken dialogue cleanly
- Checking wardrobe, prop hand-dominance, and lighting ratio consistency across setups
Topic 04
Client Pre-Shoot Briefs, Wardrobe Rules & On-Set Checkoff
Building reusable studio templates for creative treatments, client preparation checklists, and calm on-set execution.
- Structuring clear visual treatments that build client confidence on commercial proposals
- Advising on-camera talent away from moiré-prone micro-stripes, loud logos, and neon casts
- Running pocket printed or tablet shot-list checkoffs so zero planned setups are missed
Course Reference Overview
Commercial Pre-Production Shot-List Reference
Core practical benchmarks and standards covered as part of this course's curriculum.
| Document Element | Unplanned Set Habit | Structured DOP Standard | Production Payoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shot Priority & Grouping | Shooting chronologically and moving lights repeatedly | Grouped by lighting direction with A/B/C priority tags | Core story frames wrapped well ahead of wrap time |
| Optics & Movement Spec | Guessing lens choice and gimbal vs tripod on the spot | Pre-assigned shot size, focal length, FPS, and rig mode | Fewer lens swaps and intentional visual pacing |
| Transition & Edit Notes | Hoping random B-roll clips connect in Premiere later | Matched entry/exit vectors and planned cutaway bridges | Clean, natural cuts without relying on heavy plugins |
| Client & Crew Call Sheet | Scattered WhatsApp texts about address and clothing | Single-page PDF with schedule, map, wardrobe, and contacts | Calm, punctual shoot day that earns repeat bookings |
Start With Your Free Intro Session
Book Program #074: Commercial Shot Listing, Storyboarding & Pre-Shoot Briefs
Choose a time for your Free Online Intro Session to map out your course path, or book an Online ($69/hr) or In-Person ($99/hr) session directly, or request the $39 CAD PDF guide option.
1. Choose Option & Preferred Time (ET)
Standalone PDF Guide Option ($39 CAD)
If you prefer to study the written framework and reference checklists of this course on your own instead of live coaching sessions, enter your details on the form to request the $39 CAD PDF edition. We will coordinate and send your payment link and PDF guide via email or WhatsApp.
Program FAQ
Common Questions
Can I bring an upcoming commercial brief or short-film script so we build its real shot list together?
Yes, working on an actual upcoming shoot is the best way to learn this material. In the Free Online Intro Session we look at your project scope and current workflow, and during the course we break down your script into a complete edit-order storyboard, shooting-order schedule, and ready-to-send call sheet.
How does the Free Online Intro Session work, and how many sessions will I need?
Every course begins with a Free Online Introductory Session where we review the core syllabus together, evaluate your current background and goals, and map out how many sessions you actually need and whether continuing Online ($69 CAD/hr) or In-Person ($99 CAD/hr) suits you best. Session count is never a rigid one-size-fits-all number; it adapts to your own level and pace.
Do I have to commit to a multi-session package, or can I get just the PDF guide?
There is zero upfront package commitment: live sessions are booked flexibly session-by-session ($69 CAD/hr online or $99 CAD/hr in-person). If you prefer a self-paced written guide instead of live coaching, a standalone $39 CAD PDF option can also be requested for this topic.
Are courses taught in English, Persian (Farsi), or bilingual?
Your choice: every session with Iman Adlkhah can be conducted 100% in English, 100% in Persian (Farsi), or naturally bilingual with industry terminology.
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