The script supervisor watches everything once, and writes it down.

The job

You record the shoot for the edit. You line the script for every setup, log each take with lens, action and timing, note the director's circled takes and track dialogue changes. You watch continuity: hands, props, costume, eyelines, screen direction.

You time the script in prep and track running time on the shoot. Every evening your notes go to the editor and production. Big shows may give you an assistant or trainee.

A typical day

• In prep, break down the script for continuity and story days, and time it.
• On the shoot, watch blocking, then sit at the monitor beside the director.
• Log slate, lens, action and anything that differs on every take.
• Flag a continuity break before the next setup, not after.
• Agree slate numbers with the 2nd AC.
• At wrap, finish and send the day's notes and progress figures.

Skills

• Concentration across a long day, every take.
• A precise eye for detail and continuity.
• Understanding coverage, lenses and editing.
• Fast, accurate notes, usually on a tablet with specialist software.
• Speaking up tactfully to the director and cast.

Who you report to

You work for the director and alongside the 1st AD, and send your notes to the editor and production. Assistant script supervisors and trainees report to you.

How people get in

Many start as trainees or assistants on larger productions. Others come from editing, where they've learned what the cutting room needs. Short courses help with the method. ScreenSkills publishes checklists for trainee, assistant and script supervisor.

Next step up

Script supervisor on larger productions. Some move into editing, directing or producing.

Find out more

• ScreenSkills: script supervisor skills checklist
• ScreenSkills: script supervisor trainee skills checklist
• Pay: trainee rate on the Bectu Camera Branch card, 2025; see also the Bectu rate cards index