EXPLANATION OF FORMS USED FOR SCRIPT SUPERVISION AND EDITING

Here are five forms utilized in post production and script supervision that can be printed for use in the classroom.

1. Post Production Schedule – This gives the schedule for each episode of the series and tells what should be happening on each day. The numbers refer to the 15 shooting days for each show. After each episode is shot, it is placed in post production where it goes through a series of steps such as editor’s cut, director’s cut, effects spotting, color correction, titling, and delivery to the network for airing. Each of these events is listed on the schedule with abbreviations that are spelled out at the bottom of the form. This form is used mainly by the head of post production to make sure each episode is progressing on schedule. If not, he or she must adjust elements so that it is ready for air.

2. Script Page and Script Supervisor’s Notes – The script supervisor makes all the notes while the recording is in progress and between takes. This form shows the first page of the script supervisor’s notes for the opening scene of Episode 24, the same one that editor Scott Powell is putting together on the DVD program. When you print out these pages you won’t be able to understand everything that is here, but you can note that the script supervisor is keeping track of three cameras, A, B, and C, and writing down what is seen by each camera. You can also see the straight and squiggly lines of the script to indicate which lines of dialogue are covered (straight) and are not covered (squiggly) in each shot.

3. Editor’s Log – The script supervisor fills out this form, which is then used primarily by the assistant editors when they digitize the footage. It indicates everything that they will be getting on tape and gives them indications of length and whether or not to bother digitizing each particular shot.

4. Scene Change Notes – Not all programs use this form but because continuity is so important and difficult on 24, the script supervisor has these notes as reference. A different sheet is prepared for each character listing in boldface the main continuity points that should be considered. There is room for the script supervisor to add material that is noted during rehearsals or at other times.

5. Script Supervisor’s Daily Report – On this show, the Daily Report is filled out by the script supervisor, but on some shows it is filled out by a line producer. It documents the amount of shooting that was accomplished during the day. Producers use this form to make sure the production is on schedule.