Before The Cameras Roll The importance of a script breakdown The script supervisor's job description includes work in pre-production, well before cameras are rolling. The preparation they need to do ahead of time will ensure a smoother job once they're on set. And this preparation starts with a script breakdown. That's where a script breakdown becomes so vital to a successful production. We'll go over how script supervisors use a breakdown but let's first define what it is exactly.

SCRIPT BREAKDOWN DEFINITION What is a script breakdown? A script breakdown is an important filmmaking process that allows you to identify all the script elements needed to prep, schedule and budget a film production. By creating a script breakdown, you will determine the technical and creative requirements for each department.

For more on how a script breakdown is used in this role, here's script supervisor J. Timothy Hunt talking about the process of breaking down a script and how it prepares him for "the big game" once the cameras are rolling and his job kicks into high gear.

Script Supervisor position in detail

There are many ways to actually break down your script but, unless you're using dedicated script breakdown software, this process could get disorganized and useless real quick. There are so many elements that need to be in every scene. Props, costumes, livestock, vehicles, FX, and more. It can be hard to keep track of things as new drafts are delivered. This is where StudioBinder comes into play.

All major script notes are reflected in the script breakdown

Once your project is ready, follow these steps to effectively break down your script: Input your script into script breakdown software

Tag your elements

Generate reports

Generate strip boards As you go through and do each scene breakdown, you will find yourself becoming familiar with the elements your production will require. Here's an example of a script breakdown that you can explore further.

StudioBinder Script Breakdown

If you're old school and want to tackle the breakdown process by hand, we've got you covered as well. You can download our breakdown sheet template and start the process immediately. Either way, the breakdown is a fundamental part of a script supervisor's job description. Now that we know how important this process is, let's get into a little more detail. PRODUCTION ROLE When shooting begins Most people assume that the hardest part of a scripty's job is once their on set and the director calls action — and they'd be right. Let's let Mr. Hunt walk us through just how complex things can actually get during production, from a single shot to the entire shoot.

The myriad of tasks a script supervisor does on set

The script supervisors role once production begins is the official timekeeper as well as the monitor of all things on screen. This includes but is not limited to the following: Shot list The script supervisor will have studied the shot list and storyboard prior to the beginning of production. They will have the order of the shoot for the day down to a science. Camera crew info The script supervisor will be aware of the entire crew’s activities even if there are more than one. They will know exactly what each group is doing and how each take is marked on the slate. Line readings for talent A large part of the job will be making sure the Talent says the lines as written or agreed upon. It also makes sure that the dialogue that needs to be filmed is shot. Rehearsal continuity What happens in the lead up to the cameras rolling will be carefully noted and monitored for consistency. Stopwatch The script supervisor will almost always have an apparatus for timing of the scenes filmed so that the director and editor’s work is a but less chaotic, especially on multi-cam sitcoms. Video Village Video Village is the domain of the script supervisor. Other members of the crew or executives may jockey for position, but the scripty will always have a seat in the front row. Shot notes The script supervisor will make any number of notes regarding the scenes being filmed, but the most important will more than likely be those that come straight from the director’s mouth. Daily production reports The daily production reports are essential for information regarding the shoot. What was shot, what's left to be shot, what was missed or skipped are included in the daily production reports. POST-PRODUCTION When the shooting is over Unlike many other positions on set, when the production wraps, the scripty's job is not yet done. All of their work is now passed onto the post-production team as a guide for re-assembling all the pieces into a cohesive whole. The script supervisor must consolidate all of their work to produce a production book. How these are presented can be as unique as the person in the role, but generally includes the marked script with detailed notes, scene reports and production totals.

Did You Know? Like many other departments in filmmaking, script supervisors have their own dedicated union, Local 871, which was founded in 1958 and now boasts over 2,000 members.