What is the role of a script supervisor during film production?

The role of a script supervisor during film production is crucial for maintaining continuity and tracking changes made during filming. This position involves keeping detailed notes about every scene, including the dialogue delivered, the actions taken by the actors, and any deviations from the original script. By documenting these elements, the script supervisor helps to ensure that the visual and narrative flow of the film remains coherent, thus aiding both the director and the editor in the production process. Maintaining continuity is particularly essential, as any inconsistency can disrupt the viewer's immersion in the story.

Knowing which takes were used, what coverage was filmed, and whether props, costumes, or performances match from shot to shot is vital information that the script supervisor provides to the entire film crew. Without this role, a project could easily suffer from continuity errors that would become glaringly obvious in the final edit, ultimately affecting the quality of the film. This responsibility is entirely different from directing actors, managing finances, or conducting post-production edits, each of which falls under different roles on the production team.