Role of a Script Supervisor

ROLE OF A SCRIPT SUPERVISOR

A script supervisor (also called continuity supervisor) is a member of a film crew who oversees the continuity of the motion picture including wardrobe, props, set dressing, hair, makeup and the actions of the actors during a scene. The notes recorded by the script supervisor during the shooting of a scene are used to help the editor cut the scene. They are also responsible for keeping track of the film production unit's daily progress. The script supervisor credit typically appears in the closing credits of a motion picture. Script supervisors are a department head and play a crucial role in the shooting of a film. It is the job of script supervisor to monitor the camera seeks to keep scene.

In the most basic description, the script supervisor is the editor's and writer's representative on set, as well as being the right hand aide to the director and the director of photography. It is the script supervisor's job to make sure that the film can be cut together after shooting has concluded. In that sense, they back up every department, monitor the script during shooting and make sure that errors in continuity do not occur that would prevent the film from being able to be compiled smoothly in the editing room.

In pre-production, the script supervisor creates a number of reports based on the script, including a one-line continuity synopsis providing basic information on each scene such as the time of day, day in story order, and a one line synopsis of the scene. These reports are used by various departments in order to determine the most advantageous shot order and ensure that all departments, including production, wardrobe, set dressing, hair and makeup, are in sync in regard to the progression of time within the story. The script supervisor MAY also time the script, which is of enormous benefit for the director and the producer, and will often attend a table read or read-through with the cast.

What is a script supervisor?

A script supervisor (or continuity supervisor) is a member of a production crew that supervises continuity.  The domain includes many departments such as properties, costumes, set decoration and dressing, hair, makeup.

The script supervisor also monitors the actions of the talent during the filming of scenes.

Script supervisor job description and duties:

Breakdown the script for various elements including costume, location, time of day, etc.

Take copious notes on everything that was shot, including slate info, take numbers, length of takes.

Provide the editor and post-production team their collected notes for reference.

We’ve all seen a continuity error in a film or noticed a plot hole at some point. The fact that you don’t see hundreds of them is because productions hire someone to pay attention to the details of a script. This person on set is known as the script supervisor. We’ll go over what a script supervisor does, why they’re so important, and also provide a free script supervisor template and forms.

WHAT DOES A SCRIPT SUPERVISOR DO?

Know what the position requires

The script supervisor is an integral role to every production.

They're involved in every step of the process, from pre-production all the way into post. The "scripty" uses script supervisor forms to make sure that continuity errors are avoided in every part of the process.

The script supervisor is the security net for department heads, the producers, and the director. For lack of better words, they observe and monitor nearly everything.

In short, a script supervisor is one of the indispensable crew members on set — they provide the eyes and ears of multiple departments to make sure the giant jigsaw puzzle of a project can be reconstructed again later.

If you're still unsure just how important it is to have a script supervisor on set, let's take a little test. Here's Martha Pinson, a top-level script supervisor who has worked with filmmakers like Scorsese, to show us how her work goes unnoticed by the audience — which is the point!

The main responsibility of a script supervisor is to track the continuity of everything on screen between every set up, take, scene, and episode. 

That means that if an actor takes a drink before a certain word, the "scripty" marks that down in their script supervisor form and tells the director if they miss it.

This can be crucial in the edit bay because if they don’t monitor this, the shot and reverse shot won’t add up.

They also demarcate where certain props and set decorations are from one position to another, so the you can avoid any embarrassing continuity errors.

They'll take pictures of the frames at the beginning and end of every scene as things change and move.

That way, when they reset, or the director moves on to a new set up, every department can know where everything was originally placed.

We'll get into further detail, but if you don't want your project to make those "Top 10 Continuity Error" lists, then hiring a great script supervisor is key.

The importance of a script breakdown

The script supervisor's job description includes work in pre-production, well before cameras are rolling. The preparation they need to do ahead of time will ensure a smoother job once they're on set.

And this preparation starts with a script breakdown.

That's where a script breakdown becomes so vital to a successful production. We'll go over how script supervisors use a breakdown but let's first define what it is exactly.

SCRIPT BREAKDOWN DEFINITION

What is a script breakdown?

A script breakdown is an important filmmaking process that allows you to identify all the script elements needed to prep, schedule and budget a film production. By creating a script breakdown, you will determine the technical and creative requirements for each department.

For more on how a script breakdown is used in this role, here's script supervisor J. Timothy Hunt talking about the process of breaking down a script and how it prepares him for "the big game" once the cameras are rolling and his job kicks into high gear.

Script Supervisor position in detail

There are many ways to actually break down your script but, unless you're using dedicated script breakdown software, this process could get disorganized and useless real quick. 

There are so many elements that need to be in every scene. Props, costumes, livestock, vehicles, FX, and more. It can be hard to keep track of things as new drafts are delivered.

This is where StudioBinder comes into play. 

All major script notes are reflected in the script breakdown  

Once your project is ready, follow these steps to effectively break down your script:

Input your script into script breakdown software 

Tag your elements

Generate reports

Generate strip boards

As you go through and do each scene breakdown, you will find yourself becoming familiar with the elements your production will require.

Here's an example of a script breakdown that you can explore further.

StudioBinder Script Breakdown

If you're old school and want to tackle the breakdown process by hand, we've got you covered as well. You can download our breakdown sheet template and start the process immediately. 

Either way, the breakdown is a fundamental part of a script supervisor's job description. Now that we know how important this process is, let's get into a little more detail.

PRODUCTION ROLE

When shooting begins

Most people assume that the hardest part of a scripty's job is once their on set and the director calls action — and they'd be right. Let's let Mr. Hunt walk us through just how complex things can actually get during production, from a single shot to the entire shoot.

The myriad of tasks a script supervisor does on set

The script supervisors role once production begins is the official timekeeper as well as the monitor of all things on screen. This includes but is not limited to the following:

Shot list

The script supervisor will have studied the shot list and storyboard prior to the beginning of production. They will have the order of the shoot for the day down to a science.

Camera crew info

The script supervisor will be aware of the entire crew’s activities even if there are more than one. They will know exactly what each group is doing and how each take is marked on the slate.

Line readings for talent

A large part of the job will be making sure the Talent says the lines as written or agreed upon. It also makes sure that the dialogue that needs to be filmed is shot.

Rehearsal continuity

What happens in the lead up to the cameras rolling will be carefully noted and monitored for consistency.

Stopwatch

The script supervisor will almost always have an apparatus for timing of the scenes filmed so that the director and editor’s work is a but less chaotic, especially on multi-cam sitcoms.

Video Village

Video Village is the domain of the script supervisor. Other members of the crew or executives may jockey for position, but the scripty will always have a seat in the front row.

Shot notes

The script supervisor will make any number of notes regarding the scenes being filmed, but the most important will more than likely be those that come straight from the director’s mouth.  

Daily production reports

The daily production reports are essential for information regarding the shoot. What was shot, what's left to be shot, what was missed or skipped are included in the daily production reports.  

POST-PRODUCTION

When the shooting is over

Unlike many other positions on set, when the production wraps, the scripty's job is not yet done. All of their work is now passed onto the post-production team as a guide for re-assembling all the pieces into a cohesive whole.

The script supervisor must consolidate all of their work to produce a production book. How these are presented can be as unique as the person in the role, but generally includes the marked script with detailed notes, scene reports and production totals.

DID YOU KNOW?

Like many other departments in filmmaking, script supervisors have their own dedicated union, Local 871, which was founded in 1958 and now boasts over 2,000 members.

WRAPPING UP SCRIPTYS

Why hire a script supervisor?

If it wasn't obvious by now, there are many reasons why you should consider bringing a script supervisor onto your production team. With all the elements that go into making a film, it's easy to lose track of small, yet important, details in the process.

If a character spills a drink in the car but show up at the bar with a clean shirt, that's a continuity error.

And the internet loves to point those out.

The best way to avoid being thrown on the list of errors is to hire a script supervisor. Script supervisor notes become vital documents on every movie and television show.

The scripty maintains a critical voice in that conversation and uses detailed script supervisor forms to keep track.

Continuity is more than just from one shot to another, it's over the development and arc of major characters and plot points. By keeping the details in order, the overall project can be seamless.

Script Supervisor Skills

A Script Supervisor should have strong visual skills and have the ability to translate the written word into a visual medium. They should be detail-oriented and possess strong verbal and written communication skills, as they are responsible for conveying directions in the script to other personnel on a set and to generate reports. They should be comfortable working closely with others and have the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Other key Script Supervisor skills include:

Time management skills

Creativity and ability to adapt to changes

Ability to multi-task

How Do You Become a Script Supervisor

Education and Training

There are no formal education requirements for those seeking to become a Script Supervisor. It could be helpful to have taken scriptwriting or film production courses at the college level. Some of these types of courses might be offered in seminars or in-person or online workshops. While not needed, a 2- or 4-year degree in film studies, film production, filmmaking, communications or media arts could be beneficial. These types of programs can include an internship, which is helpful to gain work experience and possibly lead to an apprenticeship opportunity.

In some cases, those seeking to become a Script Supervisor apprentice with an experienced professional and receive training on the job. This hands-on experience will expose them to working with cameras and editing equipment and become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of others on a production set whom they will interact with on a daily basis.

With many film studios and production companies situated in Los Angeles or New York, it could be necessary for those interested in becoming Script Supervisors to live in one of these areas. However, smaller studios and companies might be found in other major cities and might offer better prospects to those just beginning their career as a Script Supervisor.

Finding a job

Job growth rates for Script Supervisors can be linked to that of producers and directors, both of whom Script Supervisors work closely with. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for these occupations is projected to grow by 9 percent between 2014 and 2024 as expanding cable channel offerings and availability of online movies and shows is increasing the need for filmmaking professionals. The field, however, is competitive and experience provides job candidates with the best prospects.

When seeking a Script Supervisor job, it is crucial that you have a quality resume. Our library of Script Supervisor resume samples provide you with a good idea of how to construct an effective resume.

Once your resume is ready, search online for Script Supervisor job opportunities. Draw on your network of professionals you might have met while gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship or attending a film school or classes.

Insights from a Script Supervisor

To get more details about becoming and working as a Script Supervisor, we spoke with Roe Moore, an award-winning producer, actor and Script Supervisor. Following is our question-and-answer session with Ms. Moore.

WHAT IS THE COMMON CAREER PATH FOR A SCRIPT SUPERVISOR?

A Script Supervisor is a department of one, so there isn't necessarily a ladder to climb or a "seniority."  Usually one becomes a Script Supervisor after working as a production assistant or as a former editor. Occasionally, those working in another department find delight in continuity and make the change. In the early days of filmmaking, an up-and-coming director would work as a Script Supervisor to learn to direct. Nowadays, there are career Script Supervisors as well as those who do jump up to the director's chair.

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER BEFORE BECOMING A SCRIPT SUPERVISOR?

When considering becoming a Script Supervisor, I would suggest considering one's skill level in organization, detail-oriented, and a capacity to have a powerful memory. The Script Supervisor is the on-set representative for the post-production team. They are the last line of defense before the cameras roll to catch any errors like missing props and/or continuity errors. They are responsible to review what is being recorded to ensure that dialogue lines are said correctly, that movements matched what was discussed in rehearsal, and if the take can 'cut' with any other footage or coverage for the scene. Because of this, knowledge in other areas of production is highly suggested because our position interacts with every other department. If one is familiar with the other departments, the Script Supervisor can then collaborate to find smart decisions in the event an error happens or additional support is needed.

A powerful memory is important because one has to remember (or notate) the movements of multiple things at a time while the camera records the take. After each take, the actors and props reset to their original positions and the Script Supervisor is the authority on those positions. In addition, the Script Supervisor has to know the script better than anyone else on set. This is to field any changes that could affect the story line as a whole or for a single character and determine if the change is something that can be done. More often than not, the director/producer/writer may know that in scene 2, the character gets punched. But they decide to remove the punch from the script, making the dialogue in scene 3 about the punch irrelevant and changes the story. The Script Supervisor has to be on top of the script to catch these errors before they are put on film.

WHAT TYPE OF PERSON EXCELS AT THIS JOB?

The type of person who excels at this is strong with details, is organized, experienced in record keeping, and is self-motivated. A majority of our job deals with maintaining the continuity of a script as well as what has been filmed. This means keeping track of props, actor movements, wardrobe, dialogue and more. In addition, there is a lot of record-keeping for the production and the post-production teams. The Script Supervisor is responsible to take note for every take and provide reports to the teams regarding information like camera rolls, audio rolls, script coverage, editorial log and more.  The accuracy of these reports is crucial for these departments to do their jobs well.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS - HARD AND SOFT - FOR SCRIPT SUPERVISORS TO HAVE?

Most of the bare minimum skills needed have been stated above. Additional skills that are helpful would include: the ability to multitask; be professional and prepared; and be a team player. Because we deal with so many working parts on set, a Script Supervisor is known as the point of contact for the majority of the departments. To be able to multitask your own workflow while working with these departments on the next setup is invaluable. As with every job, show up on time (or early) and be prepared. It will make you the most effective person when other departments are shorthanded. Being a team player is essential. When you're on a production or on set, there's one common goal: to create. If there is a way that you can add value while carrying your weight, it helps everyone look good.

WHAT DO YOU FIND TO BE THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A SCRIPT SUPERVISOR?

One of the main reasons why I became a Script Supervisor is because I have an incredible interest in all aspects of filmmaking and through working as a Script Supervisor, I get to work with each department to create the best film possible. I get to be a collaborator and play a part in the decision-making for big productions. I have OCD and doing this job allows me to place that energy where it is appreciated.