Script Supervisor Guide

The unsung heroes of film continuity - Learn everything you need to know about Script Supervisors and their crucial role in filmmaking

Continuity Tracking
Scene Timing
Script Notes

What is a Script Supervisor?

A Script Supervisor (also called Script Continuity Supervisor) is the guardian of a film's consistency. They ensure that every scene flows seamlessly from one shot to the next, tracking details that audiences should never notice.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor continuity between shots and scenes
  • Take detailed script notes and timing
  • Track props, costumes, and actor positions
  • Maintain lined scripts and shooting logs
  • Coordinate with editors and post-production
Script Supervisor on Star Trek Set

Script Supervisor working on the set of Star Trek Renegades

What Does a Script Supervisor Do?

Continuity Guardian

Ensures that props, costumes, makeup, and actor positions remain consistent between different shots and scenes filmed out of sequence.

Script Notes Example

Documentation Master

Creates detailed logs of every shot taken, including timing, camera angles, and performance notes for the editing team.

Daily Shooting Log

Time Keeper

Tracks scene timing and pacing to ensure the final film meets its target runtime and maintains proper flow.

Script Supervisor with Stopwatch

Why Continuity Is Critical in Filmmaking

When Continuity Goes Wrong

Continuity errors can break the illusion of cinema and pull viewers out of the story. Here are some common mistakes that script supervisors prevent:

Costume Changes

Actors' clothing or accessories mysteriously appearing or disappearing between shots

Prop Positioning

Objects moving or changing between cuts in the same scene

Lighting & Weather

Sudden changes in lighting conditions or weather within a single scene

Movie Continuity Error Example

Example of a continuity error - notice the inconsistencies between shots

The Script Supervisor's Solution

By meticulously tracking every detail and taking reference photos, script supervisors ensure these errors never make it to the final cut, maintaining the story's credibility.

On-Set Tools and Techniques

The Lined Script

The script supervisor's most important tool is the lined script - a marked-up version of the screenplay that tracks every shot taken.

How Script Lining Works:

  • Vertical lines mark which dialogue/action was covered in each shot
  • Different colors represent different camera angles or setups
  • Squiggly lines indicate partial coverage or interrupted takes
Lined Script Example

Example of a properly lined script showing shot coverage

Camera Log

Script Continuity Sheet

Detailed logs of each shot including camera settings, lens, and technical notes

Timing Sheets

Timing Sheet

Track scene lengths and cumulative runtime for editing and post-production

Daily Reports

Editor's Log

Comprehensive reports sent to editors with shot descriptions and notes

Examples of Continuity in Action

Real-World Scenario: Restaurant Scene

Imagine filming a dinner conversation between two characters. The scene might be shot over several hours with multiple camera angles:

What the Script Supervisor Tracks:

Position of utensils, glasses, and food on the table
Actor's clothing, jewelry, and hair positioning
Hand positions and gestures between cuts
Dialogue timing and actor's eye lines

Script Supervisor's Notes:

Scene 47A - RESTAURANT INT. DAY

Take 1: Wine glass 1/2 full, left hand

Take 2: Glass same position

Take 3: Actor picked up glass at "I think"

Take 4: GOOD - glass down after "really"

Continuity: Napkin folded throughout

Best Beginner Tutorials

What Happens When A Movie Has No Script Supervisor?

Vanity Fair's excellent breakdown featuring Martin Scorsese's long-time script supervisor Martha Pinson. Shows real examples of how continuity works in major films.

3M+ views • 7:05 • Vanity Fair
Why watch: Perfect introduction showing real Hollywood examples and professional techniques

What does a Script Supervisor do?

Comprehensive 17-minute tutorial by Beyond Film School covering all aspects of the script supervisor role, from pre-production to post.

35K+ views • 17:24 • Beyond Film School
Why watch: In-depth explanation of responsibilities and day-to-day duties

How To Make A Lined Script

Practical tutorial showing exactly how to create and use lined scripts - the script supervisor's most important tool.

45K+ views • 2:35 • Film It Yourself
Why watch: Hands-on tutorial perfect for beginners wanting to practice script lining

Practice Worksheet: Script Supervisor Skills

Exercise 1: Spot the Continuity Errors

Study the images below and identify potential continuity issues a script supervisor would need to track:

Continuity Error Example

Practice Notes Section:

Exercise 2: Create a Script Line

Sample Script Excerpt:

SARAH

I can't believe you're leaving tomorrow.

MIKE

It's not forever. I'll be back for Christmas.

SARAH

That's six months away!

Mark Your Coverage:

Draw lines next to the text to indicate which shots cover which dialogue:

Shot Timing:

Take 1:
Take 2:
Take 3:

Additional Resources & Next Steps

Downloadable Templates

Further Learning

  • • Practice with short films or student projects
  • • Shadow experienced script supervisors
  • • Study behind-the-scenes footage
  • • Join filmmaking communities online
  • • Consider specialized script supervising courses

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Script supervising is a detail-oriented role that requires patience, organization, and a keen eye. It's perfect for those who love ensuring quality and precision in filmmaking.

🎬 Essential Role 👁️ Detail-Oriented 🚀 Great Entry Point