How to Be an Effective Script Supervisor: From Pre-Production to Post Production

Hosted by Rachel Atkinson

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Rachel Atkinson

Webinar hosted by: Rachel Atkinson

Script Supervisor at CANDYMAN, POISON IVY, HOMELAND

Rachel Atkinson has been working as a script supervisor since her early 20s, starting on features for Roger Corman's production company. Since then, she has worked on countless film, television, and commercial productions, including Hulu's DOPESICK, Apple TV+'s SWAGGER, Showtime's HOMELAND, AMC's THE WALKING DEAD: WORLD BEYOND and TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES. She's also worked with brands including Nike, Guitar Hero, and JC Penny. You can see a full list of Rachel's film and television credits here. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

The Script Supervisor. It's a role not taught in film school, yet it might be the most important job on set. From saving your production days and money, to director's notes, to continuity, and more. Its a a great way for you to break into the industry as there is more opportunity for script supervisors right now all over the world than there are people who know how to do the job. See how you can tackle this vital role!

Filmmaking is a collaborative experience. So imagine the incredible frustration of getting to the project's release... and seeing a coffee cup that's not supposed to be in a scene sitting on the screen!

Script supervisors keep coffee cups out of shots, as well as ensuring there are no other continuity errors. But this is just the tip of the iceberg of what a script supervisor does.

From pre-production through post, the script supervisor can bring clarity and help avoid costly mistakes that will sink your small budget film or incur expensive reshoots to bigger budget ones.

But, if this is the job you want, or want to hire, how can you understand its importance without training?

Stage 32's exclusive webinar will show you how.

Rachel Atkinson has worked on countless film, television, and commercial productions, and she's ready to give you everything you need to learn to be a script supervisor. Her recent credits include Hulu's DOPESICK, Apple TV+'s SWAGGER, Showtime's HOMELAND, AMC's THE WALKING DEAD: WORLD BEYOND and TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES. She's also worked on commercials with brands including Nike, Guitar Hero, and JC Penny.

Every format has a nuanced version of script supervising duties, and Rachel will show you how to be a script supervisor in each.

With so many years under her belt, there's no one better to teach you how to operate confidently in this role.

In addition to her fantastic expertise, Rachel brings sample scripts, forms, and breakdowns for your hands-on practice! She'll also be available live for your questions. Can't make the live? This webinar will be accessible in your account for an entire year so that you can rewatch it to get the most out of this valuable knowledge!


PRAISE FOR RACHEL'S TEACHINGS:

Rachel covered exactly what I was hoping to learn. She clearly broke down the most important aspects; there is so much to learn about script supervision but she gave a very digestible start.

-Kristen A.

Very helpful, informative, and interesting. The instructor, Rachel did a wonderful job of really going into detail about her position. I attended a Script Supervising class via zoom a few weeks ago with a different organization and instructor, and it was nowhere near as great as this one was!

-Shelley R.

Rachel was great :) Thank you for making this possible.

-Mickayla P.

Thorough. Insightful. Generous.

-Moitri G.

Rachel did a wonderful job explaining the key concept and answering our questions.

-Elizabeth V.

What You'll Learn

The Essential Role Of The Script Supervisor

  • Pre-production - Anticipating the Issues
    • The Importance of an Accurate Day/Night Breakdown
    • How and Why to Determine Time-of-day
    • What is Vital in Your Continuity Breakdown
    • How and When to do a Script Timing
    • Who and When: Interdepartmental Information sharing
  • Production - Navigating as a Department of One
    • Ensuring Continuity
      • How to Track Physical & Emotional Continuity
      • Why the 180º Line Matters (and when it doesn’t)
    • Ensuring Coverage
      • What Goes on a Legend Page (vs Log)
      • How to Line the Script
      • Making and Checking Shot Lists
      • The Importance of Being On Script
    • Timing
      • Who Needs to Know?
      • The Difference Between TV, Film & Commercials
    • The End-of-Day report
      • What Should Be Included
      • How to Maintain Accuracy
      • Why Production Relies on your Information
  • Post-production - The On-Set Eyes And Ears For Post
    • Your Log for Compiling Dailies
    • Legends & Lines - A Road Map for the Editor
    • Notes to the Editor - Conveying the Director’s Vision
  • Q&A with Rachel

About Your Instructor

Rachel Atkinson has been working as a script supervisor since her early 20s, starting on features for Roger Corman's production company. Since then, she has worked on countless film, television, and commercial productions, including Hulu's DOPESICK, Apple TV+'s SWAGGER, Showtime's HOMELAND, AMC's THE WALKING DEAD: WORLD BEYOND and TURN: WASHINGTON'S SPIES. She's also worked with brands including Nike, Guitar Hero, and JC Penny. You can see a full list of Rachel's film and television credits here.

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Testimonials

Rachel covered exactly what I was hoping to learn. She clearly broke down the most important aspects; there is so much to learn about script supervision but she gave a very digestable start.

-Kristen A.

Very helpful, informative, and interesting. The instructor, Rachel did a wonderful job of really going into detail about her position. I attended a Script Supervising class via zoom a few weeks ago with a different organization and instructor, and it was nowhere near as great as this one was!

-Shelley R.

Rachel was great :) Thank you for making this possible.

-Mickayla P.

Thorough. Insightful. Generous.

-Moitri G.

Rachel did a wonderful job explaining the key concept and answering our questions.

-Elizabeth V.

I was very impressed with her. An obvious veteran in the industry.

-Debra H.

The instructor knew the ins and outs of her job and was able to use her personal experience as an educational opportunity.

-Luke S.

Rachel was extremely insightful. Her attention to detail and passion for her craft was infectious.

-Edward K.

Rachel Atkinson was very knowledgeable and organized. I can see where she would be a great script supervisor. I would like to hire her.

-Carlton S.

Questions?

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