What is a Script Supervisor

The job of the Script Supervisor (Continuity Supervisor) is to keep a daily log of production status and to keep notes on specific inner action be sure the production has constant verbal and visual integrity.

You will always find them sitting with the director watching the camera monitors, and discussing any pertinent information regarding the sequence after the scene has been filmed. To which they will keep a continuous log of all camera takes and director’s favorite camera takes, and to make sure no dialogue has been missed. They work closely with the director and camera operator, in regards to camera set ups, actor off camera sight lines, and framed action, so not to confuse the viewer.

These highly detailed notes are important to the director and for the editors during post production.
They also have several responsibilities. They work with all departments such as Lighting, Camera, Sound, make-up, properties, wardrobe, and sets to make sure that there are no continuity errors. They are responsible for keep track of all the filmed takes and sound tapes, making sure that they correctly match for the director and editors.

The script supervisor will always have the most updated script where they will keep notes on thing that are changed on during filming changes such as the director trying something else and actors changing lines to better fit their character.

The position is also important to second unit production when the first unit cast is not needed. These notes will help the second unit director, with the continuity of action sequences, stunt doubles and insert shots.

Once production is finished the, usually massive, Script Supervisor’s notebook and script is given to the Assistant Editors to help them put together the filmed sequences with the matching audio takes. Also letting them know of the directors preferences and putting the second unit takes in the right places.

Just be aware when you see a continuity error in a film or television project, it is not necessarily the Script Supervisor fault. Some editors and directors will opt to let an issue slide by to solve another problem.