Script Supervising
Creating an engaging visual story requires a cast & crew who’ll work together to bring the Script to life per the Director’s Vision within the Budget provided. What I love about Script Supervising is collaborating closely with a variety of people across numerous departments to do just that.
As Script Supervisor, I’m responsible for a multitude of things including:
- CONTINUITY. Every department keeps track of their own continuity, but as Script Supervisor I oversee it all. I keep copious notes and take reference photos. You never know when you’ll need to refer to something you shot previously.
- STORY. I’m the Director’s partner on all matters related to story. Part of my prep process is becoming intimately familiar with the script. This enables me to answer anyone’s story question on set. If a Director asks me “Am I covered?” I can confidently answer them. If the art department wants to know what time to set the clock, I’ve got it. These are just a couple of examples of the myriad of questions that come up on a daily basis. My ability to quickly relay the information helps keep us on track.
- SCHEDULE & BUDGET. While most departments focus on the current shot/scene, I keep the entirety of the script in mind so we don’t miss out on important items/moments that are integral to the story. It not only serves the narrative, but getting the shots we need and avoiding the ones we don’t keeps us on schedule and within budget.
- POST-PRODUCTION. I’m the eyes and ears of the Editor while on set. I’m there to make sure things shot out of order will make sense in the edit and cut together seamlessly. They rely on my notes to make the post production process smoother.
Qualities that make me a great Script Supervisor:
- An eye for detail
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong communication skills
- Editing experience
- Composure under stress
- A sense of humor
It’s surprising how many people have no idea what a Script Supervisor does. Whether you hire me or someone else, it’s vitally important to have a well-trained Script Supervisor on your team. They will save your bacon so many times you’ll wonder how you got along without them.
