Script Supervisor
The crew member responsible for tracking continuity and maintaining script records during filming.
Definition
The script supervisor (formerly called continuity) tracks all details during filming to ensure visual and performance continuity between shots and scenes. They note which takes the director prefers, track screen direction, and document any script deviations.
Script supervisor notes are essential references for the editing team in post-production.
Why It Matters
Without script supervision, editors face continuity nightmares—props appearing and disappearing, costumes changing between cuts, or coffee cups moving mysteriously between shots.
Script supervisors prevent costly reshoots by catching continuity problems during filming rather than in the edit suite.
Examples in Practice
The script supervisor notes that the actress held her phone in her left hand for the master shot, ensuring consistency in coverage.
After wrapping, the script supervisor's notes help the editor understand which takes were preferred and why certain lines were modified on set.
A script supervisor catches that a background car moved between takes, alerting the director before moving to the next setup.