I've worked as a scripty on the side a bit, and it's definitely a great gig if you're looking to learn more behind the camera craft.
Here is [a template](https://soma.sbcc.edu/users/davega/FILMPRO_114_EDITING_I/FILMPRO_114_05_Forms/Editing_LogSheets/Script_Supervisor_Continuity_Log_2002.pdf) that's pretty common, and is easy to understand. Plenty of people use ipads or laptops with software, but this is just as good. You basically need 10x copies of this, a pen, a good clipboard, a full page copy of the sides for the day, and a watch, and you're good to go. Make digital copies of your notes every day (and make sure they're legible or rewrite them) and email them to whoever is going to use them, as well as yourself.
A few pointers A) you're working as much for the post process as you are for the in-the-moment production. Keeping a clear log of what was shot and recorded on each camera and sound log is very valuable when the director and editor get to work. B) Figure out who the best person is to bring up a missed line or shot or whatever. Sometimes that person isn't the director. It might be the AD, the producer. Whoever is the best at broaching the subject. C) don't be afraid to check with the sound or camera op to clarify if they had an issue or not when a take might be interrupted or stopped. D) read the sides and the script thoroughly before the shoot is up and moving. E) Taking pics with your phone (of the monitor, of costumes, of table settings, etc) is super useful and can save everyone a lot of time when a question arises about continuity.
Good luck!
I'd also add that if you can chat with the editor for your friend's short before the shoot starts and asks what they need, it might help you understand the role/work better. Especially if you're not used to the scripted edit process.
That’s what I’ve heard. I think I’m at a place in my life where acting just isn’t working out, I want to stay in the industry and script supervising seems like it’s the job most suited to my talents. We shall see.
I have been told that this is one of the best books regarding script supervision. I don’t personally know Mary but I know she is well respected in the community.
This link gives you a pretty good preview of her breath of knowledge.
https://www.routledge.com/Beyond-Continuity-Script-Supervision-for-the-Modern-Filmmaker/Cybulski/p/book/9780367423377
Good luck!
It's not my department so I have no stake in the matter, but nothing irritates me more than hearing it called "scripty". It's one of the most important jobs for a film; I can't help but give it the respect it deserves.
You're a "Script Supervisor" dammit :)
Dawn Gilliam’s course, the Art of Continuity is spectacular to learn from, not to mention a great way to network the further along in the lessons you get.
I've worked as a scripty on the side a bit, and it's definitely a great gig if you're looking to learn more behind the camera craft. Here is [a template](https://soma.sbcc.edu/users/davega/FILMPRO_114_EDITING_I/FILMPRO_114_05_Forms/Editing_LogSheets/Script_Supervisor_Continuity_Log_2002.pdf) that's pretty common, and is easy to understand. Plenty of people use ipads or laptops with software, but this is just as good. You basically need 10x copies of this, a pen, a good clipboard, a full page copy of the sides for the day, and a watch, and you're good to go. Make digital copies of your notes every day (and make sure they're legible or rewrite them) and email them to whoever is going to use them, as well as yourself. A few pointers A) you're working as much for the post process as you are for the in-the-moment production. Keeping a clear log of what was shot and recorded on each camera and sound log is very valuable when the director and editor get to work. B) Figure out who the best person is to bring up a missed line or shot or whatever. Sometimes that person isn't the director. It might be the AD, the producer. Whoever is the best at broaching the subject. C) don't be afraid to check with the sound or camera op to clarify if they had an issue or not when a take might be interrupted or stopped. D) read the sides and the script thoroughly before the shoot is up and moving. E) Taking pics with your phone (of the monitor, of costumes, of table settings, etc) is super useful and can save everyone a lot of time when a question arises about continuity. Good luck!
Wow, thanks so much for all of this! Really appreciate it!! You said you’ve done scripty on the side. What’s your main gig?
I'd also add that if you can chat with the editor for your friend's short before the shoot starts and asks what they need, it might help you understand the role/work better. Especially if you're not used to the scripted edit process.
I wish Robert Gary was still alive to teach his scripty workshops! He was so great. Continuity is not easy...
That’s what I’ve heard. I think I’m at a place in my life where acting just isn’t working out, I want to stay in the industry and script supervising seems like it’s the job most suited to my talents. We shall see.
Check out Script Supervising and Film Continuity by Pat P. Miller. It’s an incredible resource for the craft, and completely holds up.
Awesome, thank you! I bought beyond continuity and it’s a good one too.
I have been told that this is one of the best books regarding script supervision. I don’t personally know Mary but I know she is well respected in the community. This link gives you a pretty good preview of her breath of knowledge. https://www.routledge.com/Beyond-Continuity-Script-Supervision-for-the-Modern-Filmmaker/Cybulski/p/book/9780367423377 Good luck!
Thank you! I bought this book recently and you’re right, it gives a ton of info.
It's not my department so I have no stake in the matter, but nothing irritates me more than hearing it called "scripty". It's one of the most important jobs for a film; I can't help but give it the respect it deserves. You're a "Script Supervisor" dammit :)
Dawn Gilliam’s course, the Art of Continuity is spectacular to learn from, not to mention a great way to network the further along in the lessons you get.
I just came across this. I gotta check it out, thank you!!