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. 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."
- Jennifer Carriere, Script Supervisor and Producer
#scriptsupervisor #script
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Thanks for breaking down what a Script Supervisor does, Tammy Hunt. I knew about continuity and Script Supervisors making daily reports to track shooting progress, but I didn't think Script Supervisors have to put films and TV episodes back together in perfect order after they're shot out of order.
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I came to live action productions after doing animation and editing. Taking on script supervision and assistant director roles on set was a perfect way to be the "editor's eyes" to help the director get all the footage they would need later.
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I loved this Tammy! Today I learned a little more about this industry :) Amazing post! very useful.
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Yesss Thank you for sharing this information
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Tammy Hunt Hi Tammy, thanks for sharing this. A couple of questions, if I may. What then is the difference between the Continuity role (that we see credited on our screens) and Script Supervisor? If there had to be a choice - because of budget restrictions - what would you choose?
And lastly in terms of an animation project, is it necessary to have an SS, or is it all in the hands of an Editor?
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Great to know this. Thank you for the post.