During pre-production, before ever being on set, a script breakdown must be done.  The Script Supervisor may also do a script timing if the budget allows for it.  We’ll talk more about  pre-production soon.

Once production starts, the daily routine kicks in.  First the Script Supervisor prepares for the day by gathering their stopwatch, pens, whiteout, ruler and any other gear, along with their forms and the all important script. Then the actors rehearse and return to their trailers for hair, makeup, and wardrobe while the crew sets up for the first scene of the day.  Filming starts shortly thereafter.  For each scene, the Script Supervisor is responsible for taking notes, timing the scene, lining the script, noting the action on the description page, and completing reports as they go along.

The same general routine, starting with the rehearsal, repeats for anywhere from twelve to eighteen hours with short breaks between setups and lunch after six hours. Before leaving for the night, reports are turned into the 2nd 2nd A.D.  If the lined scripts are not yet completed, they are completed later that night, faxed to the editor, and turned into the Production Office the next morning.  Shake, Stir, and Repeat.

After the production has wrapped, the Script Supervisor wraps the script. This means going through the script and notations with a fine tooth comb, ensuring nothing is missing or incorrect, and making copies for the Producer, Director, and Script Supervisor.  The wrapped script is then turned in to the Production Office.

And that is the life of a Script Supervisor in a nutshell.  While things do vary from time to time, this is pretty much the routine most of the time. Tell us your experiences in the comments section below.

1. You step onto set as a Key, a one-person department all to yourself. An important one at that!
2. You are your own boss… sort of.
3. You get to find other people’s mistakes and be a hero for the day (or at least for a minute)
4. You get to network with all the important people – producers, directors, actors, etc.
5. Your work atmosphere changes from day to day (or night). Scenes can be shot anywhere, day and night, in all sorts of weather, all around the world.  Just imagine all of the exciting adventures.
6. You get to watch movies and shows from a different perspective.  It’s like watching a play or concert from backstage.
7. You get to see your name in the credits of cool movies.
8. You get to start off conversations with phrases like “The other day, Matt Damon and I were talking, and … “
9. Did I mention, you get to meet actors and actresses? Sometimes even the famous ones.
10. You get paid! (In most cases)

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?  Share in the comments below or in related discussions on our forum.

Transcript:

One of my professors told me that I should study script supervising if I never wanted to be unemployed, and it was really good advice. And plus, it is one of the few positions you can enter the industry as a key or department head. You’re in charge of continuity, and that means not just set continuity. That means you have to be aware of hair, makeup, wardrobe, prop, set dec, and all of that because if any of it gets messed up, you’re the one that’s to blame even though it’s not your department.

[flipping through a script]
We start out with sides, which is like a mini call sheet with all the sceens you’re going to do for the day. And then they pull the scenes out of the script and miniaturize them.

[pointing out columns of a log]
The Scene number, the take number, whether it sync or mos for sound, the camera roll number, the sound roll number

[flipping through a lined script, logs, and reports]
You have to be very, very, very detailed oriented. And you have to like finding little things that are not correct, or if something is correct, take satisfaction out of the fact that it is, and you did your job well.

Everything is on the internet these days!  Why must we have a Mac to use this application or a PC to use that application?  Why not an application that will run on every computer with no installation required?

Welcome to the end of installations, the end of updates and CDs.  There is no need to worry if you are on this computer or that computer.  Don’t worry about backups or crashed hard drives.

We have harnessed the power of technology to simplify your life (and ours).

Welcome to KBC Film Solutions!

We would like to welcome you to KBC Film Solutions, where we are hard at work to support the film industry in as many ways as we can using what we know about technology.  And it is long overdue.

We bring you Easy Script Super – your new best friend

Easy Script Super is a web application that we are rolling out one piece at a time to make sure we are providing you with the best there is.  Go ahead, I can wait, take a look and when you get back I will tell you more.

Automated Timing for your scripts

The first piece we have rolled out is for everyone that has spent long nights on the couch on their day off with a stopwatch in one hand and a script in the other.  It is frustrating and time consuming and error-prone. We know.  We’ve been there, and we are sick of it. Our  Script Timing tool will knock your socks off.  Have you ever thought in your wildest imaginations that the same script that took you days to time could be done in a few seconds?   Well, welcome to KBC Film Solutions and the tip of the iceberg.

What’s next?

Don’t worry there’s more!  Plenty more.  Think of how long it takes to finish up your reports at the end of the day (or night) – yes, we have a solution for you!  Or how long and tedious it is to line your scripts – and again, we have a solution for that as well.

Well, when will you get to use these other tools – Script Reporting and Script Lining?  It is really a question of how – if you would like to beta test our Script Reporting and Lining application, simply request an invitation and we will not only get you in the door early but for pennies on the dollar, all we ask is for your honest and thoughtful feedback.

Fin

It has been nice talking to you and we will make sure to keep you in the loop.

Thank you,

Your Friends at KBC Film Solutions