28th December 2009 marked the date that I began my journey as a script supervisor. I am not exactly a virgin in a production team as I have been a crew with many of Teater Kami's theatre productions. I wondered how long I would survive in the world of erratic schedules.
You must be wondering what is the function of a script supervisor. Well, a script supervisor is supposed to look out for the continuity in camera shots. A TV viewer who watches a one-hour programme might have no idea how many days of effort/work by various people are put in to create that piece. An editor who have probably memorized the entire show by the time you watch it as he has been editing for probably at least 48 hours in total. Anyway, I digressed. What does continuity means? E.g. Actor A was holding a cup with his right hand in the master shot while he was saying XXXX. A script supervisor must note his different actions while he is presenting his lines so that when there is a close-up shot of the same scene, Actor A must be holding the cup with his right hand. Some actors forget and instead of holding the cup with his right hand, he might hold using his left hand instead.
Upon getting the script, the duty of a script supervisor is to do a script breakdown. He/she is to note the props required for each scene, the special effects for make-up, the wardrobe needed, the actors and extras involved per scene and many other details. Once the breakdown is done, he/she is to communicate to the relevant departments before the shoot date.
Anyway, I witnessed many 'events' only on my first week of work. I think I shall not mention them here. *winks* So, somehow, my role changed and I had greater responsibilities. Due to my background as an assistant marketing manager and a PR officer, backed with my Diploma in Business Administration, together with my experience as a crew and packed with other life skills, I am suddenly a line producer and trying my best to be good at it.
Now, you might be questioning, "So, what are your duties now?" I still execute my duties as a script supervisor and on top of that, I chase the scriptwriters for their scripts, go for meetings with my boss and note down the minutes, do subtitling for every episode, plan for the shoot by drawing a production schedule and call sheet, coordinating talents' availablity and contacting each and every one of them before shoot and many more. Ability to react fast to an unwanted situation is key and so is good communication skills or I will never be able to get any work done. Being able to withstand high levels of political situations, obnoxious people and to react accordingly is a plus point.
I never imagined to be doing whatever I am doing. I took up the offer since it was the school holidays and I had no bookings for school shows. I needed to stay occupied and keep myself busy so as to distract myself from being depressed. Why I was depressed, I shall not say here. So, there you have it. My life in production. I shall update you at the end of the production on how I fared and if I would continue being a producer.






