HETV has identified that there is a shortage of new Script Supervisors for productions in Northern Ireland. This free-to-attend course has been designed to fast-track industry professionals with relevant experience, who are ready to ‘step up’ and become Script Supervisors.  

 This course is open to those living and/or regularly working in Northern Ireland who have a minimum of 2 years’ professional experience and at least 2 relevant credits.  

If you are someone who wants to be close to the action on set, likes to work independently, relishes responsibility and has: 

  • Fantastic attention to detail
  • Strong organisational and administration skills
  • An analytical brain and a knack for solving problems
  • Advanced diplomacy skills
  • Resilience and stamina
  • The ability to remain calm under pressure

Led by a highly experienced Script Supervisor, this training course will enable 6 participants to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to step up into the role. In addition to the training course, there are two ‘step-up’ placements available for eligible participants.

Click here for more information on the role of Script Supervisor.

This course is free to attend.

Please note that the duration of this training is a full working week and will take place in-person in Belfast. Eligible applicants will already be living and/or working in Northern Ireland so participants will be responsible for arranging their travel to and from the venue and, if necessary, any accommodation. In order to make this course accessible to the widest possible audience, there is some limited support available to contribute to these costs. Evidence of hardship will be requested.

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills HETV Skills fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions.

We welcome applications from all eligible individuals. If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email training@mission.guru.

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WHO IS THE COURSE FOR? 

This course is open to those living and/or regularly working in Northern Ireland who have: 

  • Minimum of 2 years’ professional experience 
  • A minimum of 2 relevant credits (not including entry level / runner credits) 

Those who have current and/or previous experience in the following roles are likely to be prepared to step up: 

  • Assistant Script Supervisor 
  • Trainee Script Supervisor 
  • Script Supervisor on shorts / microbudget films 

 We will also consider candidates who can demonstrate relevant experience of continuity in craft departments such as: 

  • Costume 
  • Hair & Make-up 
  • Art department 
  • Props 

We welcome applications from those looking to return to work following a career break who have equivalent experience. 

The classroom elements of the course have two parts: introductory Zoom sessions (x2) and in-person learning (5 days).  

The in-person training will run over 5 consecutive days and applications MUST be available to attend ALL DAYS. 

Zoom sessions: 

  • Wednesday 15th November, 18.30-20.30  
  • Thursday 16th November, 18.30-20.30 

In-person sessions will be full days (approx. 9.30 – 5.30) in Central Belfast

  • Monday 20th November 2023
  • Tuesday 21st November 2023
  • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
  • Thursday 23rd November 2023
  • Friday 24th November 2023

COURSE OUTLINE

Session Content
Zoom session 1
  • Introduction to Course Leader, Lisa Mail 
  • Who is in the room?
  • What is a Script Supervisor? 
  • What is continuity? 
  • What do we do in the prep process? 
Zoom session 2
  • Prep continued: 
  • Timing a script 
  • Breaking down a script 
  • Shot language / on-set jargon 
Day 1
  • Matching action
  • The coverage method
  • Eyelines
  • Continuity sheets
  • Editors’ tramline scripts
  • Crossing the line
  • Working with actors
Day 2
Practical workshop: 

  • Prep, blocking, rehearsal and shooting of scenes. (No camera / monitor) 
  • Working with two actors 
  • Props and costume continuity
Day 3
Practical workshop: 

  • Prep, blocking, rehearsal and shooting of scenes. (With camera / monitor) 
  • Handover of props  
  • Cutting on the move
  • Jumping down the line 
  • Careers and Opportunities in Northern Ireland with guest speaker 
  • The iPad method 
Day 4
Practical workshop:

  • Prep, blocking, rehearsal and shooting of a long scene (With camera and monitor, choice of pen and paper OR iPad method) 
  • Crossing the line demonstration 
  • Shooting phone calls 
  • Working with directors
  • Good working relationships on set 
  • Top tips for managing long working days and difficult conditions 
Day 5
  • Progress reports 
  • Line reads 
  • Filming in cars 
  • Working on 2nd Unit  
  • Working as an assistant  
  • Employability skills for Script Supervisors

Homework will be set between sessions to ensure each day can be as productive as possible. 

Following the classroom training, ScreenSkills will endeavour to facilitate 2 ‘step-up’ placements on local HETV productions. Applicants will be asked to provide details for a booklet so that ScreenSkills can share participant details with local productions. Successful applicants will be asked to confirm their availability and their base(s) to help facilitate this. 

ScreenSkills funding for placements will be £650 per week for upto 10 weeks plus a kit allowance of £50 per wek. Production may at their discretion top up this funding. Two placements will be available.

By the end of the training course, participants will have: 

  • Gained an in-depth insight into the role and responsibilities of the Script Supervisor 
  • Learned how to time and break down a script 
  • Learned the importance of coverage, eyelines, crossing the line and how to match the action 
  • Had the opportunity to test out their skills practically in a safe environment 
  • Gained knowledge of paperwork requirements 
  • Developed the professional skills needed in the role 

Participants who complete the course will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make the step up to Script Supervisor. 

This course is delivered by Film and TV Industry Professionals and sector experts

Alison Grade | Course Director

Alison runs Mission Accomplished and regularly delivers training for ScreenSkills. She is an experienced Line Producer and Production Manager as well as a Nesta Accredited Creative Enterprise Trainer. She regularly delivers training that enables creatives to take their careers to the next level.  

Lisa Mail | Course Leader

Lisa Mail is a highly experienced Script Supervisor who has worked at a wide range of budget levels and production sizes. Lisa has also delivered Script Supervisor training for BBC Academy and Bectu. Lisa knows the role of Script Supervisor incredibly well and is keen to share this knowledge with a new generation of Script Supervisors. 

 

“If you want to be the eyes and ears on set for the Director and to ensure the creative & technical elements come together to capture the essence of the film this is the role for you. Over a 30 Year career as a Script Supervisor, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world working with an array of talented people and the satisfaction I have gained through a very responsible, problem solving role has been hugely rewarding.” 

—  Lisa Mail 

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills HETV Skills fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions. 

Please note:

This course would normally cost participants £400, but thanks to funding from the ScreenSkills HETV Skills fund, it is currently being offered to you for free.

If you fail to attend we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.