Script Supervising I: Orientation

Continuity; It’s no doubt one of the most vital jobs on set and highly valued by any seasoned director.

The average film patron thinks that the job of a script supervisor is to watch the details of an actor to stay consistent in their actions.

This is true in part, but the job also encompasses screen direction, eye-lines, shot sizes, line of axis, camera lens and maintaining consistency in scenes that are often shot out of order over a period of weeks or even months. The continuity report provides a detailed record of the day’s shoot, including crew list, camera settings, weather and the acting, audio and picture quality of each shot and detail how the director may have deviated from the original script.

It is a highly sought after job that continues to gain respect and is dubbed as the job of being the second pair of eyes for a director.

A good script supervisor can save the director’s reputation and make the editing process significantly smoother. When a script supervisor gains a good reputation for detail, directors will want to work with them over and over again.

Topics covered will include:

• Script Breakdown and timing
• Script integrity and working with actors
• Blocking
• Slating
• Matching the “master” – continuity of actors and elements
• Script marking and editors’ notes
• The line of axis and eyelines
• Job prospects

Script Supervising classes are now offered online.

NOTE: This program does not require PTIB approval.