Ultimate Guide to Script Supervisors (FREE Script Supervisor Template)

What Does A Script Supervisor Do?

Know what the position requires

The script supervisor is an integral role to every production.

They're involved in every step of the process, from pre-production all the way into post. The "scripty" uses script supervisor forms to make sure that continuity errors are avoided in every part of the process.

The script supervisor is the security net for department heads, the producers, and the director. For lack of better words, they observe and monitor nearly everything. For a complete guide to the major roles in film production, check out our ultimate guide to film crew positions.

In short, a script supervisor is one of the indispensable crew members on set — they provide the eyes and ears of multiple departments to make sure the giant jigsaw puzzle of a project can be reconstructed again later.

If you're still unsure just how important it is to have a script supervisor on set, let's take a little test. Here's Martha Pinson, a top-level script supervisor who has worked with filmmakers like Scorsese, to show us how her work goes unnoticed by the audience — which is the point!

The main responsibility of a script supervisor is to track the continuity of everything on screen between every set up, take, scene, and episode. 

That means that if an actor takes a drink before a certain word, the "scripty" marks that down in their script supervisor form and tells the director if they miss it.

This can be crucial in the edit bay because if they don’t monitor this, the shot and reverse shot won’t add up.

They also demarcate where certain props and set decorations are from one position to another, so the you can avoid any embarrassing continuity errors.

They'll take pictures of the frames at the beginning and end of every scene as things change and move.

That way, when they reset, or the director moves on to a new set up, every department can know where everything was originally placed.

We'll get into further detail, but if you don't want your project to make those "Top 10 Continuity Error" lists, then hiring a great script supervisor is key.

Before The Cameras Roll

The importance of a script breakdown

The script supervisor's job description includes work in pre-production, well before cameras are rolling. The preparation they need to do ahead of time will ensure a smoother job once they're on set.

And this preparation starts with a script breakdown.

That's where a script breakdown becomes so vital to a successful production. We'll go over how script supervisors use a breakdown but let's first define what it is exactly.

For more on how a script breakdown is used in this role, here's script supervisor J. Timothy Hunt talking about how to line a film script and how it prepares him for "the big game" once the cameras are rolling and his job kicks into high gear.

There are many ways to actually break down your script but, unless you're using dedicated script breakdown software, this process could get disorganized and useless real quick. 

There are so many elements that need to be in every scene. Props, costumes, livestock, vehicles, FX, and more. It can be hard to keep track of things as new drafts are delivered.

This is where StudioBinder comes into play. 

Once your project is ready, follow these steps to effectively break down your script:

• Input your script into script breakdown software 
• Tag your elements
• Generate reports
• Generate strip boards

As you go through and do each scene breakdown, you will find yourself becoming familiar with the elements your production will require.

Here's an example of a script breakdown that you can explore further.

If you're old school and want to tackle the breakdown process by hand, we've got you covered as well. You can download our breakdown sheet template and start the process immediately. 

Either way, the breakdown is a fundamental part of a script supervisor's job description. Now that we know how important this process is, let's get into a little more detail.

PRODUCTION ROLE

When shooting begins

Most people assume that the hardest part of a scripty's job is once their on set and the director calls action — and they'd be right. Let's let Mr. Hunt walk us through just how complex things can actually get during production, from a single shot to the entire shoot.

POST-PRODUCTION

When the shooting is over

Unlike many other positions on set, when the production wraps, the scripty's job is not yet done. All of their work is now passed onto the post-production team as a guide for re-assembling all the pieces into a cohesive whole.

The script supervisor must consolidate all of their work to produce a production book. How these are presented can be as unique as the person in the role, but generally includes the marked script with detailed notes, scene reports and production totals.

WRAPPING UP SCRIPTys

Why hire a script supervisor?

If it wasn't obvious by now, there are many reasons why you should consider bringing a script supervisor onto your production team. With all the elements that go into making a film, it's easy to lose track of small, yet important, details in the process.

If a character spills a drink in the car but show up at the bar with a clean shirt, that's a continuity error.

And the internet loves to point those out.

The best way to avoid being thrown on the list of errors is to hire a script supervisor. Script supervisor notes become vital documents on every movie and television show.

The scripty maintains a critical voice in that conversation and uses detailed script supervisor forms to keep track.

Continuity is more than just from one shot to another, it's over the development and arc of major characters and plot points. By keeping the details in order, the overall project can be seamless.