Script supervisor

Description

A script supervisor (also called continuity supervisor or script) 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 is typically 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 script supervisor's job to monitor the camera shots, seeking to maintain coherence between the scenes.

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.

The script supervisor’s job is not yet complete after the film set wraps. Providing the editor and post-production teams with all notes collected during the shoot. It’s like putting a giant jigsaw puzzle back together, but instead it’s a production book usually presented as the script with detailed notes, production reports and totals. Script supervisors work with all filmmaking departments, but are closest to the director and script editor. Of course, due to the nature of their responsibilities, they have regular contact with actors, the hair and make-up departments as well as production.

Film and tv dramas are usually shot entirely out of sequence. Shooting is organized according to the practicalities of location and availability of cast rather than the unfolding of the story. It’s the job of the script supervisor to check each filmed scene can be edited so it will make sense in the end. During pre-production, script supervisors prepare a continuity breakdown; this is a document which analyses the script in terms of cast, actions, wardrobe and props in scenes and story days. Then they time the script, which is quite a skill in itself.

Once filming starts, they closely monitor what’s happening to check no dialogue is overlooked and the actions and eye-lines of the actor’s match. They keep detailed written and photographic records of dialogue, action, costumes and props. All camera and lens details are noted along with the slate and scene number information. They keep a progress report of each day’s filming which goes to production and the visual effects (vfx) supervisor in the case of vfx shots. These records are invaluable. They mean directors and editors can find what’s been shot and what the options are for each scene. They mean that when different takes are edited together, the film is consistent and makes sense.

By having one person across the entire production, focusing on continuity from one shot to another, plus across the entire development of plot points and character arcs, it can take a film shoot from good to great and beyond. As script supervisors are privy to the workings of all departments, they often progress into a director, producer, writer or script editor role. The experience they gain on a film set  allows them to build a wealth of knowledge which they’re able to use in many different areas of film production.