What IS a script supervisor? If you are coming here to learn why you need a script supervisor for your production, you're probably wondering, 'how much trouble can a 100 or so pages get into?' The presence of a script supervisor is required on a movie set in order to assure the continuous flow of a film, the script supervisor has to make sure that scenes follow each other in an understandable and smooth way especially since almost every film is shot out of sequence. A script supervisor is there to cover the director's, producer's and editor's arses. Incongruities in detail, movement, dialogue, jarring jump cuts, changes in lighting intensity or sound levels need to be avoided. The purpose is to make the audience unaware of the cutting of the film from shot to shot and of the techniques used to move the story along. A scene must follow another without any sudden breaks so that the viewer gets into a more realistic contact with the narrative and its characters. Good continuity and uninterrupted action come from careful planning and focus. Mother Hen Most consider the role of the script supervisor as the worst on the set because a major aspect of the job is to make sure that everybody else does theirs. In general, people don't like to be watched or told how to perform their tasks. For example, on a breakdown chart, the supervisor describes, scene-by-scene, all the props that are needed during filming and makes sure they are all placed and applied correctly. But on the set, there is also a property master whose only duty is to be in charge of the objects and of their use. Why should anyone interfere with his/her department? Connecting the Dots Since a film is not shot in sequence, a scene where the two main actors drive to a bar could be shot on the first day of production, while the following scene of them getting out of the car can be completed three weeks later. It is the continuity clerk's duty to see that the hair, makeup, costumes and even the lighting all match in those two actions. The supervisor is going to give directions to the hairdresser or the costume designer to have each detail appear the same. The best way to remember how everything was the first time around is to take pictures, either instant or digital photos. The ideal time to have the stills taken is after the first take. Set particulars are often changed up until the very moment of filming. Before a director allows the cameras to run, he or she may require a rehearsal of the action to allow the technicians to check their angles, the quality of light and the actors blocking. Any change must be noted. And if you are an independent filmmaker of the mindset that you will remember and save a few bucks, trust me... those 100 or so pages have a mind of their own - even if you are a hyphenate writer. The photos go along with written notes and forms. Most 'scripties' as they are called create their own forms, I find each production requires a bit of customization. They can be digital, but unless you're on a soundstage with a locked down seat, or a really awesome cart to call your own, the reality is handwritten is still the most practical way to go for the actual script and shooting notes, the daily summaries can be digital to be transmitted easily. The goal is to extract all the relevant information from the final script that is wanted on the production breakdown board. Although it may vary with each film, some basic data is always required: the scene number, the location, a brief description of the action, time of day, estimated shooting hours, number of script pages, cast, extras, props, costumes and any other information that will affect scheduling. Whether a scene is shot in an interior or exterior location is important to know to determine what type of lighting is required and even what kind of 'film' must be used. This logging process can be completed during pre-production, and the supervisor can start it as late as the day before principal photography begins. Regardless of whether the scripty is brought on to do the script breakdown in conjunction with the director (the way the big boys play) they will need at least one day of pre-pro, and one day of wrap-up after shooting to do their job. Ideally, if you want to play with the big boys, a scripty worth anything will come in in pre-pro and help break down the script with the DP and Director into a shooting script. Then the scripty supplies the producers with accurate page, scene and set-up counts, so when the daily reports come in - the producer can see how many pages, set-ups and scenes were shot and if we are on time and budget, which makes everyone more comfortable (true story). The Devil Is in the Details On the set, the scripty will also fill in continuity sheets. These are additional forms that will assist the editor in matching cuts and assembling the film. They ask for specific technical information, such as the take number of each scene, the magazine/camera roll or data card, the lens, the f/stop and the filter that are being employed. There is also the need to keep track of the sound and the action running times, so a stopwatch is a fundamental prop for the script supervisor. Actions can be described by a simple catchword or by a brief sentence, such as "red plane flies by tower." Camera directions and shot sizes have to be recorded, too. In order to do that, it is important to know common abbreviations used most frequently in continuity scripts. For example, WA means "wide angle," MCU "medium close-up," and CRBG stands for "camera right background." Although many other abbreviations for the same terms are possible, these are the most popular and can be found in any film production textbook. Personally, I like to provide a thumbnail sketch with the slate #'s and descriptions. The completed continuity sheets are given to the editor during post-production. Each filmed sequence is arranged in order to achieve a sense of wholeness and logic. All the notes taken by the supervisor are crucial to achieving this goal, and the director relies heavily on them. During actual filming, the entire project is in her hands, but in post-production, the director has to work with what has already been shot, and it should be error-free. It's too late to make any corrections when filming is over. Bad continuity jobs can be seen in films every day. Some are more obvious than others. A cigarette can be half smoked in one take but just lit in another. Smoking, drinking and eating are actions that require particular attention because they are continuous and difficult to cut and match. To summarize, the script supervisor is responsible for keeping a record of the particulars of each completed shot, and her notes are fundamental to the editing process. If you are not extremely detail-oriented or if you don’t work well under pressure, script supervising is not for you. If you think you can do it, grab your stopwatch and prepare your forms. Also be prepared to work very long hours, on-set the script supervisor doesn't usually get a break while a scene is being lit or dressed or rehearsed. They are catching up on paperwork or informing the crew of mismatched lighting, props, helping the actors with their lines or letting the office know if we are on schedule or if there is a problem. All in all it is a fantastic way to learn every aspect of film production - because on-set, you're responsible for it! Or as I like to say, 'I can't make a mistake, because if I do, it's etched in ektachrome.' PRE-PRODUCTION • Script Breakdown • Scene Count • Page Count • Continuity report • Wardrobe and Prop summary • Report delivery • DP shot list • Reading notes PRODUCTION • Shot List • DP cameras • 2nd unit • Set shots • Line reading • Rehearsals • Slate • Stopwatch • Video village • Shot Notes • Daily reports POST PRODUCTION • Turn in book: • Original Marked up script. • Chronological scene report list. • Production totals If scene keeps rolling it is an running pick up or RPU Pages/ Scenes are counted in 1/8 page increments Inserts are separate scenes and noted as 1/8 and insert on scene breakdown sheet Script software will do page counts - but it is always more accurate to break it down by hand. Especially in revisions where entire pages will be added for small scenes PAGE COUNT TITLE: SC # DATE: COUNT SC # COUNT SC # FULL PAGES: PART PAGES: INSERTS: TOTAL: COUNT SCENE COUNT TITLE: SC # / DESCRIPTION STOCK: DATE: INSERTS: VFX(100%): VFX PARTIAL: WARDROBE OUTLINE TITLE: TIME BRKDWN: DIRECTOR: Scene #’s DATE: Sets Date Shot CHARACTERS CONTINUITY SYNOPSIS / ONE LINE TITLE: PROD. # DIRECTOR: DATE: SC. #’S SET ONE LINE DESCRIPTION D/N PGS. CHARACTERS DAILY PROGRESS TOTALS TITLE: PROD. # DIRECTOR: DATE: SHOOT / CALL WORK DAY 1ST SHOT SC’S COVERED LUNCH WILD TRACKS 1ST SHOT RETAKES DINNER REMARKS 1 SHOT ST CAM. WRAP SND. WRAP Scene Completed Scenes PG. Count Timing Total Pages: Scene Total Time: Scenes Total Script Added Deleted New Total Shot Prior Shot Today To Date To Do Setups Partial Scenes PG. Count Timing Setups Total Setups: Pages Minutes Setups SCRIPT SUPER DAILY EDITOR LOG TITLE: DAY OF FILMING: DAY OF WEEK: PRODUCTION CO: DIRECTOR: CAMERA: SET(S) WEATHER: SetUp Description SCENE SCENE SCENE SCENE OTHER NOTES: PAGE OF TLATE: CREW CALL: FIRST SHOT: LUNCH: FIRST SHOT: DINNER: FIRST SHOT: WRAP: OF CR SR Print Slate/Notes Time code/Lens SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG PAGE TITLE: PRODUCTION CO: DIRECTOR: CAMERA: SCENES COVERED: REMARKS: Time Code Roll Scene TLATE: CTOF DAYS Take P Snd Time Lens Shot Desc Comments OF SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time - 32 11a 11ab 11da 11b 11ba 11bb 11bc 11d 12 13 14 14a 14b 5/10 2/3 2 3 1/2 2 7 1/4 1 1 1 1 11 22.77 14.20 26.16 25.19 29.03 35.40 1.24.13 24.69 34.86 2.13.34 1.28.17 15 16 17 17a 18 18a 18b 18c 18d 19/20 19a 19b 21 21a 22 22a 23 23a 23b 3 4 5 1 2 2 3 1 1 4 2/5 4 5 1 4 1 3 2 3 5 7 5 12 26 35 26 16 12 16 16 29 15 5 10 14 7 7 9 6 12.11 8.73 21.33 1.53.57 2.03.90 1.48.96 51.13 1.06.07 43.21 25.43 22.20 24.96 34.08 2.15.23 42.37 41.09 46.81 Lens PAGE 2 OF11 Shot Desc m/sh R&R mos Ryan m/sh M 2 sh Cu ryan roz score 2 shot Jen @ door Cu door e/w/s 3 shot Cu hand Ots to Jen m/cu jen 2 shot insert 2 sh 2 sh Cu jen insert insert w/s pan m/sh 2 sh m/sh cu m/sh e/cu w/s cu Rev. on Comments At darts see notes Series no details cu on bullseye Before he leaves see notes foosball Foosball see notes Foosball see notes Foosball (series) x4 At table see notes fantasy No details MOS Series (no dial) x3 Series (x6) Series (x6) See notes w/ roz See notes Micro MOS no details Roz jenny Diff action of series as tk 3 see notes See notes Ashtray mos Phone mos See notes Roz and jen Brice cut around hat logo Series on drawer no details brice Series on smoke/jen Follows action see notes Roz h/h Brice h/h SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 16 15 24 25 25a 25b 25c 26 27 28a 28 28a 28b 28c 29b 29e 29f 29a 29c 29d 30 31 31a 32 32a 32b 34 35 36 36a 36b 37b 37c 37a 38 38a 6/7 3 2 1 3 4 7 3/4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 6 3 1 2 1 1 4 3 2 2 3 4 1 2 7 6 16.91 23.22 43.60 1.14.16 19.75 18.00 28.37 26.78 34.03 29.90 26.97 26.47 40.53 2.35.11 25.69 26.16 21.13 40.46 23.51 38.82 58.76 28.40 19.87 1.11.66 38.93 38.31 19.41 16.11 10.00.00 54.93 33.72 58.58 22 25 22 25 2 7 16 24 7 12 7 2 5 8 9 8 9 2 3 7 9 3 5 3 2 3 1 Lens PAGE 3 OF11 Shot Desc Comments W to M w/s cu m/cu m/sh 2 sh m/cu wide wide Up/sh Cu/ots Cu mike wide rpu texting inserts cu series m/sh m/sh cu m/profile Cu prof. Roz enters (prop not great) Roz upstairs (none great) Roz series (x2) Bag toss insert (x8 series) On mike Jen / brice Roz cries Jenny’s leg in door see notes Brice enters On brice Move off roz to mike For last line of dial On couch/floor Cu on phone use #4 in series Couch guy On table- mos Floor to chair Mos cu phone text message See notes covers surrounding sc’s Series x3 covers 33 u/sh brice Series no time Series no time m/sh m/cu Retake misslate m/oversh ¾ cu wide series Insert cu w/sh Series cu See notes Insert # 5 best Phone no slate See notes Shoes See notes SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 5 3 38b 43a 43b 44a 44b 44c 44d 45 45a 45c 45b 45e 45f 45g 45h 45j 45k 45L 45M 45N 46 47a 48a 48b 48c 49 50 51 53 54 54a 54b/56 54c/58 55 4 2 2 3 2 4 1 2 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 4 3 3 7 4 4 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 31.74 20.45 20.74 16.37 2 3 7 5 7 2 2 3 3 3 3.23.86 10.44 1.40.77 1.25.28 1.00.30 14.67 32.36 19.30 57.72 27.59 9.15 10.65 10.30 11.10 9.03 12.20 40.83 43.50 37.18 14.70 22.47 14.89 9.95 12.50 11.03 22.36 43.68 18.95 Lens PAGE 4 Shot Desc Comments Clock cu w/ mike Cu mike wide Rev cu inserts m/cu w/sh m/cu m/sh Up/sh w/sh cu w/sh cu cu cu cu 2 sh 2 sh w/sh 3 sh m/w/s insert 2 sh Angle dn m/cu ¾ cu m/cu m/ 2 sh On bed M 2 sh cu Mos series See notes From above OF 11 See notes Series mos x5 Guy on floor ** see last page Sound not great mike To brice door couch cleaning Inserts cleaning rpu see notes ashtray Insert pot bong Cut around boom entry Fridge series #7 best From stairs 2 shot See notes goes into 53 See notes on coverage of scenes Rpu as marked #2 best SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 7 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 71a 72 72a 73a 73 80 80a 80b 80c 8/10 2 4 3 4 1 3 2 3 2 1 3 1 3 3/4 2 4 3 1 2 1 1 2 3 16.44 15.34 39.71 13.87 15.15 43.41 21.86 7.33 5.03 12.45 1.15.17 21.05 57.69 1.01.36 46.95 31.15 49.63 15.93 1.12.67 2.19.52 2.20.69 2.05.23 2.37.16 24 81 4 9 10.40 pan See notes 5 83 83a 83b 84 83c 84a 84b 86/88 86a 86b 4 6 4/5 7 2/3 3/4 1/2/3 4 4 4/5 3 1.49.40 29.61 37.09 34.81 2.00.17 44.16 3.29.78 2.58.17 1.27.23 m/w/s 2 sh u/sh w/s 2 s.ups m/upsh 3 series w/sh w/sh m/sh See notes rpu 5 7 5 7 6 7 14 7 14 4 25 4 6 8 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 3 6 2 9 2 4 Lens PAGE 5 Shot Desc Comments M 2 sh m/cu roz m/cu m/cu m/cu cu m/cu m/cu m/2 sh 2 sh h/sh 2 sh 2 sh M 2 sh Cu 3/4 3 sh blindfold OF_11 Series later better Tighter shot Cut around her shorts Series static x6 last best Wild sound at tail Series last best (x6) See notes Rev. m/cu Roz pov m/s 3 sh tighter cu Series x5 Covers 82 Same angle as 80 roz Rev Ots to lauren Brice see notes See notes See notes Inserts of each lead w/ coke See notes Next hand See notes SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code OF_11_ Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 9 86c 86d 86e 86f 86g 86h 86j 86k 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 8.19.02 10.36.21 18.72 7.19 - 86L 86m 87 89 90 90a 90b 90c 90d 1 1 1 1 6 2 3 2 1 17 12 91 93 2 5 7 5 37.28 55.47 h/sh 10 94 94a 95 96 97 97a 97b 5 4 54.32 wide 1 3 3/4 4 2/3 5 4 38.92 49.85 1.46.95 2.20.30 50.64 2 sh wide w/sh 3 sh Ots to mike See notes 97c 97d 98 99 99a 99b 2 ? 1 6 1 1 19.17 master m/sh m/cu m/wide cu Pan cu Mos of cards series Mike stands see notes Series x4 – 4 best Reaction from table For dial series series 12 13 9 13 10 9 13 10 5 5 4 5 4 1.13.90 42+ 1.19.31 1.20.07 56.67 44.47 1.22.79 33.97 1.17.37 1.41.01 Lens PAGE 6 Shot Desc Comments h/sh Rev h/sh chips All in cu cu Series series Rev brice Brice rpu as marked Mike rpu as marked Brice dial series More cu of brice action series Table- mos see notes More table spread MOS X3 mos X3 mos (3 good) Series of inserts on pocket cam follow none slated (4 shots – mos) ‘aces’ mos 1- pan 2- static see notes Sweep across kitch. MOS Night series 3x See notes covers 92 more of 90 Roz dial no time rpu as marked rpu as marked 3 sh series Mos insert on hands/cards series series series 2 sh w/4 sh On mike m/cu down sh Series x2 Rpu as marked tracking See notes for cuts and cu inserts Series x3 At table see notes SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 13 14 17 100 101a 101b 101ba 101bb 102 102a 102b 102c 102d 102e 103 104 106a 106aa 106ab 106b 106ba 106bb 106bc 106bd 107 107a 108 108a 109 109a 112 112a 112b 112c 114 114c 114d 2 1/2 4 3 3 3 4 1 3 3 3/4 1/3 3 2 2 1/3 1/2 2 1/5 2 2 2 2 1 5 6 7 49.03 11.41 54.89 44.20 38.37 27.01 18.80 58.17 31.49 24.63 41.27 31.63 1.47.86 1.59.55 1.46.31 2.04.07 2.01.47 1.37.76 1.17.84 1.26.31 6.77 25.20 24.49 24.67 14 7 18 14 5 6 16 35 14 6 3 7 6 3 7 13 2 1 1 2 1 6 1 2 6 1.13.76 1.27.16 1.53.18 1.11.48 1.29.94 1.38.35 1.34.77 1.59.01 Lens PAGE 7 OF_11_ Shot Desc Comments Ext night 2 sh 2 sh 2 sh series x3 Plus wild sound Ots to roz Dial on guy not great Rpu cut around tail + head Wild sound on brice at tail Ann drops in Ots to guy wide m/cu cu On dog Insert controller series x3 (train horns) Mos no slate or time 3/4 to roz Rev ang tracking M 2/sh m/2 sh Cu jen Cu roz w/s 2 sh On jen cu W roz see notes See notes Over couch see notes Rpu as marked Rpu/BOOM as marked Rev on jen Mower noise thruout reaction On purse Cu roz m/sh m/sh jen w/s Cu kiss e/w/s W to Mcu m/sh Wide/up Cu kiss wide w/3sh m/sh cu No dial series x6 covers 113 series as they get closer Series x5 Series x3 Series x2 #2 good On curb series no dial See notes Parker rpu as marked SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 12 114e 114b 114ba 114bb 114bc 114aa 114ab 114ac 114ad 115 116 117 120 121 121a 124 127d 127 127a 127b 127c 127e 128 129 129a 1 2 1 5 15.90 11,87 31.86 129b 129c 130b 130ba 131 131a 132 132a 132b 2 3 2/3 3 1 4 1 2 1 5 12 16 12 29 17 23 17 23 18 1 4 2 2 1+ 3 4 2 5 3 2/4 4 1 2 1 1 6 3/5 1 5 7 5 9 7 9 7 9 7 9.99 14.93 7.39 11.84 40.61 24.28 41.13 50.12 46.95 16.18 34.50 1.12.59 1.08.86 1.01 18.32 6.63 18.69 28.93 18.29 42.30 29.05 16.89 17.66 1.55.69 1.14.57 16.16 22.70 Lens PAGE 8 OF_11_ Shot Desc M @ stairs Comments 2 sh m/split cu m/cu 2 sh 2 sh m/sh Parker/lee Screen effect series x2 Lee series x3 Parker series x3 Split screen Split screen m/cu mike m/wide m/w/sh m/3 sh wide m/wide Cu roz m/w/s 2 sh Cu mike Cu roz cu cu Side shot M 3 sh Cu finger 3/4 Rev cu wide cu m/cu Ots to m/2 sh Cu roz Cu mike See notes on takes Covers 118 Ext by. Series x3 See notes covers thru 1125 Use 21/21a See notes parker On couch controller football Covers 130a Series x3 Mike roz W cat Parker action Series girls move into frame girls Roz mike cat Cat series x2 SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 23 133 133a 133b 133c 133d 134 134a 135 135a 135b 135c 136 136a 136b 136c 137 138 139 146 147 147a 147b 149 150 151a 151 151b 151d 151c 152a 152ab 152ac 152ad 152ae 2 2 4 2 9 52.67 17.13 54.53 1.01.41 17 13 18 31 33 30 2 1 4 2 4 2 2 2 3 5 3/4 6 1/2/4 1 3/4 52.12 28.77 7 7 11 12 35.45 28.93 53.59 20.56 20.17 24.32 18.07 28.10 18.89 1/2 4 2 1 24.13 19.13 48.71 3 3 2 4 1 2 15.03 3.14.62 26.69 2.47.15 3.51.89 3.44.48 11 Lens PAGE 9 OF11__ Shot Desc m/2sh cu m/cu cu wide Rev. cu Ots brice Cu gun m/sh upsh Master w Move w Cu mike Roz prof m/sh m/cu wide wide master m/2 med cu cu Cu mike master Pan w insert 2 sh master Med 2sh m/cu cu 2 sh Comments series brice New angle on brice Girl at door series x12 Roz and mike on couch 4 girls series series Series brice w gun exits off To head series x2 rpu 3 sh Brice cu cat Brice enters See notes (takes broken up) Wild sound for dial See notes shot thru 150 MOS MOS parker bit Cell guy to cell girl series (ins 150) MOS ins on jello shots Girl and guy text inserts MOS Wide see notes Party crown by. Cu PP ass no time Tilt up Shot thru 153 see notes Near perfect dial rpu as marked See notes extras SCRIPT SUPER EDITOR SHOT DETAIL LOG Time Code Roll Scene Take P Snd Time 30 152af 152ag 153 153b 154d 154e 154f 154g 154h 154k 154L 154 154a 154b 154aa 154ab 154ac 154ad 154ae 154af 154ag 154ah 154aj 155 155a 155b 155c 155d 155e 155f 155g 155h 156 156a 2/4 1/2 11 3.10.57 34 19 20 21 22 34 PAGE 11 OF 11 12 1 20.16 Lens PAGE 10 OF 11_ Shot Desc Comments react react Series w M 2sh See notes See notes tighter MOS Mike going up/down Roz Jen MOS Over brice cups (in order of game) Brice side MOS Full rack MOS Series mos 8 3 3 2 3 1.24.81 1.32.95 1.38.20 4.06.04 2 2 1 2 1.38.03 3.03.21 8.46.10 2.57.50 2 1.17.50 2 cups Front an m/cu 2 cups ecu ecu master mcu Rev on wide roz m/sh tighter rev tighter cu Jenny m Jen cu master Brice side 2-4 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 12 1.11.91 1.33.01 1.11.47 1.17.82 7.39 1.07.34 1.01.14 ecu m/cu Rev on wider Cu mike Cu jen Cu chair Cu mike wide Over mikes cups in order MOS see notes Mikes side Shot in over Side ang bounce ins (diff. Speeds) Wild lines after brice 2nd half of sc See notes (shot beat x beat) See notes shot beat x beat roz mike Same as previous Brice’s side See notes Brices side Series as marked Series as marked 2nd half of game See notes See notes Splash see notes mike See notes reaction See notes On band
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