Question 1

What does a Script Supervisor do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

If there’s one word to describe the primary responsibility of a Script Supervisor, it’s continuity. Continuity of costumes, props, hair and makeup, lighting, sets, and so on. All from shot to shot and scene to scene. It’s the job of the Script Supervisor to ensure that regardless of the number of takes, the Editor has available to them all the footage necessary for assemblage of the final film without any differences in these elements from take to take.

Question 2

How much does a Script Supervisor make?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The salary of a Script Supervisor depends on multiple factors, including their experience, the overall film budget, their union status, and the number of jobs they are hired for in a given year. All to say, it can fluctuate significantly. However, the national average for a Script Supervisor is approximately $67,400 in annual salary.

Question 3

What skills does a Script Supervisor need?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

If you’re the person making sure that everything in frame is consistent from one take to the next, you must be a master of multiple skills. To be a successful Script Supervisor, you need to have an eye that can pick up even the most minor changes, superb note-taking skills to comprehensively detail any changes in the script for each take, and strong communication skills to convey to cast and crew what must be altered to maintain consistency during the shoot.

Question 4

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Roe Moore · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake people make when getting into this field is that they think they know everything because they downloaded an app on their phone. There is a balance between what notes are taken, how many there are, and how they end up being communicated. Also, that sort of arrogance can be off-putting and lead to mistakes.
“Most of a Script Supervisor’s skill level won’t be discovered until a film hits the editing room. However, a couple bad projects can kill a career. Most mistakes are made by looking at a computer instead of watching what’s happening on set. It may look like a Script Supervisor is just hanging out next to the monitor but they’re keeping track of everything in a production. They don’t need to be showy about it.”

Question 5

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Roe Moore · Accepted Answer

“Why is a Script Supervisor always just sitting by the monitor?
“The Script Supervisor is constantly studying what is in each shot. For every take, they write a couple of minutes of notes. If the crew is very talented and the Director has an eye for detail some people may feel like a Script Supervisor is not necessary.
“However, when a Script Supervisor is not writing notes or trying to do corrective work on set they’re providing notes for the edit. This can include shorthand for what an Actor did in each take and whether it was a preferred take by the Director. This sort of work greatly expedites the post-production process. There is never a moment of just hanging out on set as a Script Supervisor!”

Question 6

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Roe Moore · Accepted Answer

“The biggest thing young people starting out need to remember is to not get intimidated. Often it can be a bit scary walking up to a Director, especially someone that’s respected, and letting them know a mistake has been made. However, it’s good to remember that everyone is there to make the best film possible and that’s the Script Supervisor’s job.
“It’s all about speaking up, which can be practiced in everyday life. That doesn’t mean to be aggressive or bossy, but begin to pay attention to how great communication happens. A large part of a Script Supervisor’s job is communication so if someone practices that they’ll be way ahead of the game.”

Question 7

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Roe Moore · Accepted Answer

“What’s the best metaphor to describe a Script Supervisor?
“Being a Script Supervisor is kind of like being a Paramedic standing by. You’re there in case the production gets hurt in any way, taking notes on what happened and trying to stabilize the problem. Then, when the issue reaches the Editor the Script Supervisor can describe it so the problem can be remedied properly. Something always goes wrong on set. It’s just the nature of the business. So it’s always good to have a Script Supervisor around.”

Question 8

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Roe Moore · Accepted Answer

“Cheerful. I know what I’m doing and I’m a pleasure to have on set.”

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Script Supervisor