Script Supervision: Where To Start?
In the space of 2 years working on film projects, I have learnt so much about the world of filmmaking. Travelling to places I never thought would be possible, fulfilling my passions, testing new limits and pushing myself outside my comfort zone, script supervising has been the ultimate job that has spring-boarded me into a lifestyle of adventure and exciting unpredictability (all thanks to some incredible filmmakers I know). With these tricks and tips I’ve picked up along the way, I hope this helps when if you're interested in starting out in getting your continuity career started!
'The Editor's Representative'
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The role in a tiny nutshell: There to divert the film away from the Movie Mistakes list, a script supervisor is merely representing the editor on the set, lending their trustworthy expertise in making sure the narrative flows, so that footage can be cut together when reaching the post room.
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Pre-Tip #1 - Work on a Set!
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As a general note when it comes to wanting to work in film, first of all, it's important to know what kind of industry you'll be getting your hands stuck into. It can be a prolonged process at times even in landing your first gig. Why study 3 years of filmmaking at university if you haven't even dipped your toe in the film set water yet?
Don’t get me wrong, delving deeper into the craft of filmmaking is a great idea, but it might be good to double check if this particular industry interests you with its competitive game as opposed to being cooped up in the lecture room.
Big films, little films - There's no better way in life than getting practical experience. From running to helping in the production office, any role you can work on a set! While movie sets sound like Hollywood glamour, it can be a hectic and an intense journey when it comes to the day-to-day shooting. Just by being on set, you're learning how the mechanics work as to what it really takes to piece together each shot.
Social Media
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Using socials to your advantage might sound like a given in this day and age; but finding a way in which it can work for you can do wonders. Start by signing up to film Facebook groups. So many people advertise roles on this platform because it’s so easy to use and connect with like minded people. There’s also What’s App groups which can be trickier to get your hands on but they’re a great tool in promoting yourself, learning about upcoming networking events and securing potential work.
Remember – applying for jobs can be a numbers game but it’s totally worth it!
Tip #2 - Do Your Homework
Absorb information and educate yourself on the do's and don'ts of the job. While I strongly believe practical work on set in any role is a priority, it's also important to explore the role through self learning and experienced Script Supervisors.
In terms of my own learning, I attended a course at Pinewood Studios which gave me more knowledge and confidence in navigating my own head of department.
Creative Media Skills Institute offer a 2 day intensive course at Pinewood that covers the in's and out's of becoming a continuity expert. In comparison to a degree that may brush upon the role lightly amongst other crew departments, taking up an intensive course could be a money saver and fast track into getting into the business!
Learning with Creative Media skills gave me the chance to ask those 'nitty gritty' questions I'd picked up on set along the way. Studying with an experienced supervisor really helped reassure me on what is expected in the role as well as the continuity 'bug bears' that appear from time to time.
While learning from every continuity book you can get yours hands might be an expensive process, there are some guides that have acted as great physical toolkits I can refer back to and dip in an out of. Mary Cybulskis' book 'Beyond Continuity' is the main masterpiece that comes to mind when new questions arise for me. You can find Mary Cybulski's magic spell-book here!
Food for thought: Ever get that feeling wondering if you're doing something correctly? Why not get in touch with other script supervisors and see if they are able to lend a helping hand in sharing old notes from previous productions?
Learn & Work
There are also various trainee placement programmes up for grabs through Screen Skills amongst other schemes that lead you onto practical supervising work on soaps and dramas. While this isn't the route that got me in the business itself, many fellow scripty's I know have landed a foot in the door this way!
Practice makes good continuity...not perfect!
One of the reasons why I love Mary Cybulskis' 'Beyond Continuity' is the fact it emphasises the idea of not attaining perfect' continuity when filmmaking, but to establish a smooth narrative flow as much as possible.
Tip #3 - Attention to Detail is Crucial.
Keeping those laser continuity eyes fresh and focussed at the helm is always a good idea.
Watch films, search for movie mistakes on YouTube, see what you can spot! The only curse of the being an attentive script supervisor is that when you're watching a film on a Friday night, your eyes can't help but search for other shows continuity booboo's.
Practice as though you’re working on a film set. Watch clips, time them, make notes on each shot establishing any issues you notice. While there’ s no Director or crew to pass on your notes on to, developing your attention to detail is crucial in keeping ahead of the game in this role. Playing the part requires an abundance of multitasking, focus and good memory. While it’s probably trickier to spot bigger continuity changes when watching an actual film or show, treating movie watching like a working process could sharpen your skills and boost your game. I knew those 'spot the difference' games in my childhood would come in handy one day!
Tip #4 – Manners check
While it’s a basic thing, a good attitude really goes a long way. Would productions rather hire a script supervisor that is grouchy, unapproachable, chews your ear off at every continuity adjustment but is impeccable at their job or a crew member that’s hardworking, putting in their upmost efforts, carrying a positive and friendly attitude?
I’d like to think it’s the second. While this tip may be ahead of the game when it comes to the actual work process, this can also be applied when job hunting too.
From experience, killing with kindness even when you receive that rejection email could still help get you a job. From my experience, I’ve worked with small crew productions who were not looking for a script supervisor in the initial stages of their project, but I'd like to think the friendliness and genuine interest in my emails secured me a place on their crew-ship.
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it!
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Also - a lot of our job entails giving notes and letting certain departments know if something has changed on set. A big key in working in this role is finding a clever and approachable way of informing other crew members of these changes. Shouting and bellowing what’s changed doesn’t help anyone, but finding a way to communicate in a calm manner is the key to pristine social skills.
It’s like writing an essay for instance. When someone comes back to us with a stream of notes on what’s wrong with it, grammar issues, spelling etc; while it’s insightful criticism that can be helpful, it can be draining. That’s why I believe letting people know about changes and potential mistakes in film in the right way can be a key to a good working environment.
Tip #5 - Log Notes & Reports
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The sacred notes that the editor needs during the shoot. Sometimes they ask for this after once the production is even wrapped. Here are a couple of basic templates I use here to get started:
A) LOG NOTES:
This is a table I have concocted, altered and tweaked during the various projects I've worked on. So far, this template has worked wonders. But there are a lot of templates online that you can use when inventing your own.
'Extra-extra' tip: Creating these templates on Google Drive has made it easier for me when creating dailies and uploading them on previous projects.
B) SCRIPT SUPERVISOR REPORT:
A more detailed report to be completed at the end of the day. These help you to keep track of how much of the film is left to shoot, that can be a great help for productions when putting together call sheets and creating schedules. You can find more information here!
Use the Editor Wisely
On various shoots, you’ll meet different people, which means different ways of working.
This also means the editor may have a preferred way of collating notes or ideas on how the transition can run as smoothly as possible when it comes to post production. In befriending a few editors along the way, I have been able to approach them in asking for genuine feedback about my notes. This way, we are also learning new ways of working and open to hearing good criticism which will only help us excel into landing work on bigger productions.
Be interested in other film crew roles on set.
Something I’ve found that’s answered a lot of questions for me is by asking how other crew members work on set when liaising with the script supervisor. Sets can vary depending on the production but learning how other departments like to work with the supervisor can be helpful.
Tip #6 - Build up Your Kit
Every Script Supervisor is different when it comes to inventing their ammo box of goodies that sees them though the shooting process. It really depends on the best ways and tools that work for you in making your workload easier. Forming a kit bag seems to develop and grow the more experience you attain.
Here is a list of necessities and extra hack items I have found quite useful to take with me when on set. Remember! You have to be able to carry the kit you bring so be complacent with your equipment checklist:
Stationary:
- Pens, pens and pens!
- A ruler
- Clipboard and printed log notes (I use these when my laptop juice has run dry!)
Tech:
- A camera or phone to take continuity pictures. ( Plus a fresh google drive to store these pictures)
- Portable phone chargers
Extras:
- Walkable desk ( attachable for your back so you can walk around. Useful for more indie projects)
- Necklace tie for phone (So it doesn't go walkabouts or drop to the floor when you fish it out)
- Collapsable Stool (Useful for indie projects)
-A file for extra log notes and continuity breakdown prep.
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