Industry Jobs | Choreographer

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of Choreographer.

What does a Choreographer do?

In our last blog, we looked at how the special effects makeup artist transforms an actor’s appearance. In this post, we focus on the role that uses creativity and industry knowledge to design and implement dance and movement, communicating emotion and tone to help tell the story in a TV or film production. This is the choreographer. Read on for an overview of this role.

Dance and movement are not standalone aspects of a production, they are interconnected with other set activities and departments. Therefore, the choreographer collaborates and coordinates with others on set, such as the director and music director, and the costume, set, and lighting departments. The choreographer will be concerned with researching different styles of dance, creating the dance or movement either alone or in collaboration with others; casting the dancers and instructing them; conducting rehearsals, and being on set to guide and coach the dancers and actors.

How do I become a Choreographer?

In addition to knowledge of and experience with dance and movement, a choreographer needs to possess a number of skills. As with other lead roles on set, the choreographer should be a strong leader and communicator as they interact with and instruct others. Berklee College of Music lists these additional abilities, skills, and areas of knowledge that a choreographer should have: teaching; designing movement sequences; knowledge of anatomy and physical fitness; creativity and inventiveness. As for education, a formal degree isn’t necessary, but can provide theoretical knowledge, additional experience, and networking opportunities. However, a choreographer needs years of dance experience as well as experience developing other skills. Backstage lists important skills including the following: knowledge of dance technique; choreographic conceptualizing to tell a story; choreographic writing including stage directions, describing dance formations, and making notes about other related aspects; passion for dance, and more.

There are different ways to pursue the choreographer role. MasterClass suggests the following: mastering different types of dance; studying dance at school; creating dances; and assisting a choreographer. In a Careers in Film interview, choreographer Kathryn Burns (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Drunk History,” and “Teachers” recommends sharing one’s work on social media and studying TV and Film as two helpful steps to being a choreographer. See the full interview here.

Read about a professional choreographer’s experiences in this NPR piece on how Justin Peck (the resident choreographer for the New York City Ballet) worked with Stephen Spielberg to “reimagine 'West Side Story' for the 21st century.” Finally, to get into the holiday spirit, watch this Today video, “Rockettes React To 6 Christmas Movie Dance Scenes.” Happy holidays!

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

North Brooklyn Community Boathouse Announces New Facility

The North Brooklyn Community Boathouse (NBCB) announced the construction of a new facility located along Newtown Creek at the East River tributary that forms a substantial portion of the border between northern Brooklyn and Northern Queens. The announcement was made at a press conference held this past weekend. 

The new boathouse location is made possible through a generous grant from the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund (NCEBF), which is administered by the City Parks Foundation, and Broadway Stages, who have made substantial financial investments and are contributing the required portion of land to build the facility.

The NBCB includes local kayakers, canoeists, sailors, environmentalists, boatbuilders, community leaders, and activists. They are an open group and invite anyone interested in boating, open space, environmental education, and nautical recreation to join their public events and consider membership and volunteering.

The new boathouse will be almost 8,000 square feet. It will provide substantial space for storing kayaks, canoes, paddles, and safety gear. Moreover, it will have safety and skills training facilities, an environmental education center,  and a nautical craft (boatbuilding, paddle carving, knots, etc.) workshop.

Stay tuned for more information about the opening of the new facility expected in 2024.  In the meantime, take a look at photos from the press conference this past weekend.

Broadway Stages Helps Celebrate Fall and Halloween Across NYC

The leaves are changing and its officially fall, and our communities have been busy with celebrations, fundraisers, and Halloween festivities.

Broadway Stages is proud to support our neighbors across the city and offer our sincere appreciation to the various community organizations, individuals and elected officials who serve our neighbors and celebrate community. 

THANK YOU! 

• 94th Precinct Community Council – Community  Halloween Celebration 

• 104th Precinct Community Council – Community  Halloween Celebration 

• Bobbi & the Strays “Masquerade Ball”

• State Assembly Member Maritza Davila (District 53) and Sustainable United Neighborhood – Halloween Celebration

• NYC Council Member Robert Holden (District 30) – Community Halloween Trunk or Treat

• Kiwanis Club of Glendale – Fall Festival

• Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District – Fall Festival

• NYC Parks Department & McCarren Play Center – Halloween Celebration

• St. Stanislaus “Get to the Point” 5K – Fall Fundraiser and Community Run/Walk

• Staten Island Zoo “Spooktacular” and the Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center

• And so many more…

And a special word of gratitude to the multitude of volunteers and others that work to ensure the needs of our neighbors are met, and our communities remain safe and vibrant.

Industry Job Focus | SFX Makeup Artist

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of special effects makeup artist.

What Does a Special Effects Makeup Artist Do?

With October comes the celebration of Halloween, with many revelers donning creative costumes depicting their favorite characters, creatures, or personas. In honor of this festive time of year, we look at the Film and TV industry role that remarkably transforms an actor’s appearance using special effects makeup (SFX makeup). SFX makeup can range from minimal effects such as bruising or scars to more complex transformations into characters such as monsters, zombies, or other-worldly creatures.

The SFX makeup artist is involved in the pre-production stage, working with the director and production designer to plan the needed designs; and during the production stage, applying the SFX makeup on the actors. Although SFX makeup artists report to the key makeup artist, they also need to coordinate with other departments on set, such as costume and special effects, to make sure the SFX makeup aligns with the work being done by those departments. SFX makeup artists apply makeup and prosthetics for various effects, such as layering color, creating texture and other desired results. See Backstage for a list of some of the tools (such as applicators, stencils, and airbrushes) and techniques (such as creating 3D replicas, latex skin, and crepe hair) that these artists employ.

How Do I Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist?

As with a regular makeup artist on a set, the SFX makeup artist can gain knowledge and skills by attending cosmetology school. However, to learn the techniques used for SFX makeup, specialized training and certificates are available. Production Beast recommends attending SFX makeup schools or classes and watching online tutorials. As for additional skills, SFX makeup artists should be creative, work well with others, and have a strong attention to detail. Those seeking to enter this field should have an SFX makeup kit and a portfolio to display their work. Some ways to gain experience include working on student and theatre productions, as well as practicing makeup techniques on friends. As with most on-set jobs, a good way to enter the field and work one’s way up is to become an assistant to a professional in the field. Backstage recommends ways “to help get your foot in the door” such as searching for jobs online with production companies, theatres, and themes parks; networking at industry events such as comic book and makeup artist conventions; entering competitions; and promoting your online portfolio on social media.

For a fun look at the history of SFX makeup in film, watch this Vanity Fair video. Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Industry Jobs | Dialogue Coach

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of dialogue coach.

What Does a Dialogue Coach Do?

As we post about the many film and TV roles in this industry jobs series, it is easy to see how each role contributes to creating the diverse worlds that help tell stories on screen. Key to telling these stories are the convincing performances by talented actors. Actors are often challenged to portray characters with a variety of accents or speech patterns. This week, we look at the industry role that helps actors learn, practice, and ultimately present convincing performances -- the dialogue (or dialect) coach. Read on for an overview of this important role.

A dialogue coach can help actors convey many facets of a character. According to the Nevada Film Office, “Dialect coaches help actors hone in on their voice and speech control to help create the design of their character’s speaking patterns in a way that effectively communicates the character’s personality traits, upbringing, education, work experience, and cultural travels.” Dialogue coaches can be involved in various stages of production. In pre-production, this might include conducting research; sitting in on auditions to help select actors; preparing actors for auditions; and, once actors get roles, helping them prepare for their performances. During the filming stage, the dialogue coach might be on set. During post-production, the dialogue coach might assist as an actor’s dialogue is added after principal filming. Read more about the role in this overview at Beverly Boy, and watch this “CBS Sunday Morning” video for a look at some examples of actors who have been trained by dialogue coaches in some popular films.  

How Do I Become a Dialogue Coach?

There isn’t a specific path that dialogue coaches must take, as they come from various backgrounds. For example, they might have formal linguistics training or acting experience. However, regardless of their backgrounds, good dialogue coaches should possess certain skills to effectively help their students. According to this Backstage piece, desired skills for this role are the ability to continually learn; a knowledge of vocal and respiratory anatomy and phonetics; an understanding of acting; and an ability to effectively work with each student. Read about Dialect Coach Jessica Drake’s background and experience in this Film Independent article. Drake has worked with stars such as Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump” (to portray an Alabama accent) and Andrew Lincoln in “The Walking Dead” (to portray a Georgia accent), as well as working on projects including “Yellowstone” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Greenpoint YMCA | Afterschool Programs

Parents — the new school year will start soon, and if you are looking for an enriching afterschool environment for your child, check out the Y Afterschool program. The Y’s Afterschool program curriculum focuses on learning enhancement, health and recreation, and building competence and confidence in children. At the Y, children will participate in a program that supplements what they have learned in school, provides homework assistance, gives them opportunities to engage their critical thinking skills and to socialize with other kids.

The program runs every regular school day from 3 to 6 p.m., with a staff-to-student ratio of 1:10. The programs are offered at dozens of sites throughout the city, most of which are New York City public elementary and middle schools.

The cost is low or no cost, thanks to generous support from the NYC Department of Education, NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, federal grants through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, The After-School Corporation, leading corporations, foundations, individual donors and the Y's Annual Campaign.

See the Y’s website to find out how you can enroll your child in the Y Afterschool program.

The Greenpoint YMCA is a valuable resource for our local community, providing residents of all ages with fitness and educational opportunities to enrich their lives. The Greenpoint Y is one of 24 branches of the YMCA of Greater New York, which was founded in 1852. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected.

Industry Jobs | Food Stylist

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of food stylist.

What Does a Food Stylist Do?

In previous posts, we looked at the props-related art department roles of props manager and animal trainer. An area of props that is integral to our daily lives and so often important to telling a story on screen is food. In this post, we focus on the industry role that is responsible for the food seen on screen in TV and film productions. Read on for an overview of the role of food stylist.  

Depending on the production, the responsibility for the food seen on screen might be handled by the props master or a separate food stylist. During pre-production, the food stylist will review the script for food-related scenes and conduct research on any unique aspects of the food, such as historical or geographical context. In addition to the props master, the stylist works with the director and department heads. Responsibilities of food stylists can include sourcing and preparing food (by themselves or along with team members) and replenishing or resetting food during filming to maintain continuity. Also, food stylists might need to provide instruction to cast members who will work with food on screen. In this Backstage interview, food stylist Christine Tobin (“Julia,” and “Little Women”) describes the food stylist role and provides advice for aspiring food stylists. (Fans can read more about the set and cooking on “Julia” in this Variety piece,” and movie buffs can watch this Vanity Fair video in which Food Stylist Susan Spungen [“Julie & Julia,” Eat, Pray, Love”] reviews food scenes from a number of films).

How Do I Become a Food Stylist?

It goes without saying that food stylists need to possess culinary knowledge, as well as a knowledge of food safety. They also need to be organized and possess good communication skills as they meet production schedules and work with others. Creativity and an ability to solve problems are skills a food stylist needs, to find solutions to the unique issues that come up from production to production. Also, the food stylist should possess an ability to produce items that are edible and can hold up to the conditions of filming. Watch this Movies Insider video interview showing how food was handled in the movie “Midsommar,” including how Chef and Food Stylist Zoe Hegedus found a way to accommodate the negative effects of heat, as well as cast member egg allergies, by creating an edible product that looks just like eggs yolks.

PHOTO CREDIT: STanley quah via pixabay

Culinary school is not necessary but can be helpful to learn relevant skills. Food industry experience and networking will help in this career path. Tobin says, “Getting as much exposure and experiences assisting other stylists was my greatest tool, as was working in restaurants for a solid 20 years….I’d also get in touch with the property masters in your community to introduce yourself and show how you’d be an asset to their team.”

As we all know, Sunday family dinners are a key feature of “Blue Bloods,” the long-running CBS series filmed here at Broadway Stages. Take a look at this CBS piece to see 14 Of The Best Blue Bloods Family Dinner Moments. Read this CBS Watch Magazine article that features “’Blue Bloods prop master Zach Badalucco and freelance recipe developer and caterer Treva Chadwell, the creative and culinary masterminds behind the legendary food and dinner scenes” (the article tells us that “Chadwell, a classically trained chef, and her husband, John, have been preparing food for “Blue Bloods” since Season 3. Former owners of the now-closed BeeHive Oven restaurant, they work with Badalucco to ensure meals reflect scripts and scenes.”). Also check out this 2015 article in The Virginian-Pilot that includes an interview Prop Master Jim Lillis and mentions Broadway Stages and the Chadwells. 

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Broadway Stages Hosts Match Challenge for Camp Brooklyn Fund

Join Broadway Stages in supporting Camp Brooklyn Fund and help us send 20 kids to Camp!  We encourage you to be part of our donation match challenge — active for 10 more days! Every donation made over the next 10 days will be matched, up to $10,000 thanks to the generosity of Gina Argento, Camp Brooklyn Fund board member and President and CEO of Broadway Stages.

Watch your investment double! Your $10 per month sustaining donation becomes $20 per month; $20 per month becomes $40, and $100 per month becomes $200 for CAMP BROOKLYN FUND Campers! Now is your time to support CAMP BROOKLYN FUND!
 

EVERY BIT COUNTS TOWARDS OUR GOAL:
$375 Supports 1 Child for 1 WEEK
$750 Supports 1 Child for 2 WEEKS

Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a proven impact on lifelong health and opportunities.

Why Camp Brooklyn Fund Provides an Effective Intervention:
+ Helps Prevent Summer Learning Loss
+ Provides Support for Parents, Families and Caregivers
+ Encourages Children to Engage in Healthy Activities 
+ Teaches Children Critical Life Skills

Leadership, Empathy, Confidence, and Exposure are crucial to a child's development. We can supplement traditional education through the power of camp.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN SUPPORT OF THE CAMP BROOKLYN FUND!

Industry Jobs | Animal Trainer

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of animal trainer.

What's an animal trainer?

Behind every Lassie and Mister Ed is a dedicated animal trainer who teaches them to hit their marks, avoid distractions, and bark or neigh on cue. Despite breakthroughs in computer-generated imagery (CGI) and other technology, many productions employ real-life furry, feathered, or flippered actors, including shows filmed at Broadway Stages.

Different animals respond to different cues and have unique learning styles; what works for a dog might not work for a cat. Some animal trainers specialize in specific species, while others handle everything from bugs to pigs, and snakes to horses.

What does an animal trainer do?

An animal trainer's job begins well before filming and can require being on call 24/7. Animals require exercise, a healthy diet, and playtime, and trainers must understand animal behavior to train and care for a variety of species.

Trainers must also have plenty of space to house and train animals. It is best to train them in areas that resemble film sets so they become accustomed to the bright lights and often chaotic environment. Trainers must also provide top-notch veterinary and grooming care, transportation to safely get animals to and from the set, training equipment, and of course food, treats, and toys.

One of the most important skills for animal actors to learn is hitting their mark. The animal must be in the right place at the right time and be able to perform a specific task on cue. This takes months of practice and requires a ton of patience and treats. Every time an animal gets closer to their mark or completing their task, they get rewarded with positive reinforcement (typically a small treat). Most trainers also use a clicker, which signals to the animal that they have completed the desired task. It is important to train every day to keep the animals' minds sharp.

Some trainers never step foot on the film or television set, instead helping to prepare animals ahead of time. Others work with the animals on set, giving cues off-camera or behind a set piece. This can require running or other physical activity and working in various environments and climates, indoors or outdoors. They must also regularly consult with actors, directors, and others on the set to make sure they are all on the same page and the animal is comfortable. They also must adhere to all American Humane Association guidelines.

Trainers must be compassionate, patient, and quick on their feet. Learn more about the responsibilities and day-to-day work here.

How do I become an animal trainer?

Many animal trainers hold degrees in animal science, pre-veterinary studies, animal behavior, zoology, or marine biology. Some schools offer specific programs, like the Exotic Animal Training Management Program at Moorpark College. Internships at zoos or aquariums can also provide valuable experience.

Related: How I became an animal trainer for movies and television

As is the case with most jobs, working under an experienced trainer is the best way to learn and make connections to break into the business. A general interest in film is also important, and some trainers begin as production assistants to better learn their way around a film set.

Another related role you might consider if you love the TV/Film business and animals is animal coordinator.  In this role, an individual acts as a casting agent for a film, tv series or commercial. Similar to the traditional casting agent, the responsibilities include “…reading the script, breaking down all the animal action so you know what is expected of each character as well as notes about their personality and appearance. Then there are meetings with the writers, producers, and director to learn their vision of the animal characters and their actions.”

If you want to learn more about film and TV industry jobs and training, check out the Broadway Stages Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.

Sign Up for Summer Camp | Greenpoint YMCA

Parents! Are you looking for activities for your children this summer? There is still time to sign up for the Greenpoint YMCA’s Summer Camps. Camps start on July 5 and run in two-week sessions through August 26 (see schedule below). The Y offers camps for children of all ages, including Early Childhood Camp, ages 3-4; Kinder Camp, ages 4-5; Bumblebee Camp, ages 6-8; Firefly Camp, ages 9-12; Swim Camp, ages 7-12; and Arts & Theater, ages 6-12.

To learn more about registration, camp policies, how to get ready for camp, and more, visit the Y’s Camp FAQ.

Hours & Dates

Hours: 9 AM-5 PM
AM Extended Day Hours: 8-9 a.m.
PM Extended Day Hours: 5-6 p.m.

Dates: July 5-August 26

- Session 1: July 5–July 15, 2022
- Session 2: July 18–July 29, 2022
- Session 3: August 1–August 12, 2022
- Session 4: August 15–August 26, 2022

The Greenpoint YMCA is a valuable resource for our local community, providing residents of all ages with fitness and educational opportunities to enrich their lives. The Greenpoint Y is one of 24 branches of the YMCA of Greater New York, which was founded in 1852. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected.

Industry Jobs | Film Editor

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of film editor.

What’s a film editor?

In a previous post, we looked at the role of the director and how the various departments involved in a production work to meet the director’s creative vision. Key in making this vision come alive is a role that takes the vast amount of footage captured during filming and assembles it to finalize that vision – the film editor. You might have heard this role mentioned as one among several that were excluded from the recent Academy Awards main broadcast. Nonetheless, without film editors, film and TV productions would not be possible. Read on for an overview of this crucial industry position.

What does a film editor do?

The film editor is involved during the pre-production and production stages. The editor works with the director to understand the script, monitors progress of the filming, and begins assembling the scenes. In post-production, the film editor shapes the way the story is told, using their skills, experience, and creativity to arrange the footage (typically filmed out of order) to tell the story. The editor works with the sound and visual effects teams, as well as the composer, to integrate multiple elements into the film. The editor also works closely with the director and producers to create subsequent cuts of the film. Learn more about the film editor role at ScreenSkills, NFI, and How Stuff Works. Read more about post-production on BackStage, including differences between TV and film.

How do I become an editor?

In addition to being knowledgeable about filmmaking and the industry, a film editor should be a good storyteller and skilled at using editing software. A film editor should also be a good communicator, have an attention to detail, and be able solve problems. Attending film school is not required, but it can be helpful in building skills and experience, as well as developing a professional network. As with many industry roles, on the job experience, including entry level jobs such as production assistant or assistant editor is a way to work up to the film editor job. Find tips on how to get experience and develop a career in film editing at Careers in Film, How Stuff Works, MasterClass, and StudioBinder.

And, as always, you can learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information

Industry Jobs | What is a Script Supervisor?

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a script supervisor.

What Is a Script Supervisor?

In our previous Industry Jobs series posts, we have highlighted many of the key roles and departments involved in bringing a director’s vision to life in a film or TV production. When the cameras roll, these many different elements, from photography and lighting, to costumes, props, actors, and more, come together to create the scenes that are pieced together to make the final product. Considering that these detail-rich scenes are often filmed out of order and assembled later by the editing team, it is easy to see how inconsistencies can occur in the final version. You have likely seen or heard about these mistakes — obvious things such as an almost empty glass appearing full in the very next shot within a scene; inconsistencies in an actor’s clothing or hair; noticeable differences in lighting; or distracting holes in the plot. Fortunately, there is key a role that pays attention to these details to ensure the continuity of scenes — the script supervisor. Read on for an overview of this role that is integral to planning in the pre-production stage and keeping everything on track through the production and post-production stages.

What Does a Script Supervisor Do?

The script supervisor is involved in the pre-production stage to break down the script in detail, including noting characters, props, time of day, sounds, and other elements that will be in each scene. They also estimate the time it will take to film each scene, which helps estimate the total time of the production. The script breakdown helps with planning for the departments that will be involved in production.

During the production stage, the script supervisor is on-point to pay attention to every detail of filming. Before scenes are filmed, they make sure all elements of the scene are in place. During filming, they take detailed notes of the characters’ actions, prop condition and placement, lighting, camera lenses used, and much more. They keep track of the timing for each scene, provide the information for the clapperboard (or slate), and maintain the official copy of the script. The script supervisor compiles the information they collected during filming into a production book that is used in post-production to ensure that those putting together the final product can accurately follow the script and avoid continuity mistakes. Read more about the responsibilities of a script supervisor at MasterClass and StudioBinder. Hear firsthand about the role from Script Supervisor Tim Hunt in this Filmmaker Den video series.

How Do I Become a Script Supervisor?

A script supervisor needs to be organized, have good communication skills, and possess a strong attention to detail. As with many jobs in the industry, there is no formal education required for this role, however, attending film school can be helpful. On-set experience, such as being a production assistant, can help one learn how film and TV production works and to develop a network. Read more about qualities a script supervisor should possess and ways to become one at MasterClass, and get resources and firsthand advice from a script supervisor at Careers in Film.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; job profiles; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.