I’m Jennifer Carriere, and I’m a script supervisor and producer in the film and television industry. Here at Stage 32, I’m a Thought Leader and Educator.

I figured out an extra efficient way to script supervise, effectively creating my own custom film career. I was able to work far more film and tv jobs per year than is standard and naturally transitioned to producer along the way. As a result, I was rewarded with a life I’d never imagined for myself.

Life really began for me when I became a film & television script supervisor. At least, life as I know it now. A life packed with purpose, adventure, means, creativity, community, and leadership.

I walked away from a non-creative career to go play in the film and tv industry. Best decision of my life. I found my calling and the career that is perfectly suited to my personality and energy.

I love: problem-solving, efficiency, working with creative people, reading scripts, watching actors create magic in the moment, being in the trenches with my crew, and going the extra mile to make my colleagues look great.

I don’t mind: long hours, long periods of intense concentration, or speaking up when we missed something.

I’m not a fan of: sitting still.

But what is a script supervisor?

The script supervisor role is a film job that many don’t fully understand. The script supervisor is a film boss starting their very first day and an indispensable asset to the director, actors, producer, editor, screenwriter, and all departments wishing to shoot with proper continuity. The script supervisor’s interests overlap with those of the producer (in terms of production efficiency and shooting material correctly), the screenwriter (in terms of ensuring the telling of the scripted story), and the director (in terms of the telling of that story with camera angles and coverage). They work closely with actors throughout rehearsal and shooting.

Films and tv episodes are shot totally out of order, in whatever way is the most time-efficient and cost-effective. Shooting out of order creates a puzzle that must be put back together in perfect order, bit by bit, shoot day by shoot day. This job requires a film crew specialist to ensure all details are tracked and fit in the right place so that it appears that the show was shot in perfect sequential order. That film crew specialist is the script supervisor.

Says Executive Studio President & Production Company Founder Michelle Sneed, “You can't do it without the script supervisor. It’s like your directors, your writers, and your show-runner.... Without them, you’ve got nothing.” Everyone depends on the script supervisor.

The script supervisor role has the reputation of being the hardest job on set. Let’s face it, they’re responsible for preventing continuity mistakes across a whole cast and crew. They also produce reports tracking shooting progress daily for the production department.

From HBO's HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Director/Producer Greg Yaitanes and WATCHMEN Director/Producer Nicole Kassell to Netflix's OZARK Director/Producer Andrew Bernstein. On every show, I have these industry powerhouses tell ME that they could never do my job. That it’s the hardest job on set. It makes me laugh because they have no idea what my secret is for getting it all straight.

I’ve been called every type of outlier you could find a name: maverick, unicorn, visionary, superhero. At least once per show, I’m asked if I have a photographic memory. If only they knew. In complete truth, I can barely remember what day of the week it is.

The reality is the best script supervisors create a solid system that they implement on set daily.

These days, my passion is sharing my signature system with creatives who want their own high-impact film career. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get close to directors, screenwriters, producers, and actors. Nothing lights me up like hearing my trainees’ transformation stories and being told the same thing repeatedly. “This never would have happened without you.”

It took me 15 years to perfect my system. Now I train creatives who want to become high-paid film bosses and pack out their networks with directors, screenwriters, producers, and actor friends (even with zero film set experience).

Jennifer will be doing an upcoming AMA in Stage 32 Lounges! Check back here on December 2nd to see where she'll be and get your questions about how to be a great Script Supervisor answered by one of the best in the business!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Emily at blog@stage32.com, and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32, Twitter @stage32, Facebook @stage32, and LinkedIn @stage-32.