Script Supervising and Film Continuity

Miller's book provides the necessary foundational data one will need before getting into script supervising. Her writing doesn't exactly scintillate with humor like some of the new "guerilla filmmaking" books out there today -- she tends to write like a 1950s schoolteacher, precise and methodical -- but in an admittedly esoteric specialization of the industry where there are only a few books on the topic available, you really don't have a lot of options and you'll need this book. It's NOT sufficient for giving one the complete training needed to actually work as a script supervisor, however. Whoever wrote that you can learn what you need to know "on set" is just asking for trouble -- it's like thinking you can read a book on piloting an airplane and just get behind the yoke and learn "what you need to know" in the air. On a "real" film set (not some zero-budget digicam or student project that no one will ever see) mistakes are EXPENSIVE. Mistakes by a poorly trained s.s. can cost thousands of dollars (not including the cost of therapy when the director and editor go bonkers trying to cut the film from the scripty's notes.) Trying to learn on a "real" set could make it the first and the last real movie set you'll ever work on. I value Miller's book but it must be combined with a good course of study with a real-life teacher who can answer your questions. A course that includes on-the-job training and followup and information on how to research and obtain real jobs doing script supervising is critical -- obviously no book can contain all this. I found Jim Kelly Durgin's course to be helpful in this regard, and there may be others out there too if you look for them. BTW, I don't feel that the 3rd edition of the Miller book is substantially different or better than the 2nd, so if you need to save some money, you'll do just fine with the 2nd edition. I agree that she is old-fashioned (she doesn't deal _at all_ with the new continuity software on the market, a huge omission) but, again, there aren't that many books about this subject readily available.

As a beginning Script supervisor, this book was recommended first and foremost by everyone who I spoke to about training. It does cover all the necessary functions of a script supervisor. If you're looking for comprehensive coverage of the job then this book will do it.The limitations are that it is an old book. The last revision occurred 14 years ago when using the internet and computers to script supervise were starting to take hold. Now with that said, I've worked on numerous film set, some of them in the tens of millions of dollars, and most script supervisors still didn't use a computer, so it isn't essential. Commercials are another story and nearly all of them with major accounts that I've worked on (in non-script roles) the scripty used a computer.Another issue I've noticed is that film really isn't used much on many films. Everything is digital so there is much more dead footage because the director decides to keep rolling and take from the top. If you're not on top of stuff, you'll quickly lose track of what's going on. Experience and mentoring count for a lot.Still if you need an introduction then this is the go-to book for script supervising.

So it came a day late, but I received it. This book is and will be very helpful towards my film making. Thank you and I will pass the word along to help you and others out with their endeavors.

I just want to toss my hat in here about the Pat Miller's book on script continuity.This book was recommended to me last summer when I was on a film shoot. I was cautioned that the book was very old but it was basically the "Bible" for script supervisors. Hey it was published 1998, written maybe 2 years earlier so given it's 2005, that's almost 8 or 9 years ago. I was told to read the book and to use what I wanted from it. The script supervisor who recommended the book was also nice enough to give me her forms that she uses on set.The problem with reviews by Larry D. Madill Jr. and "a reader" about courses by Jim Kelly Durgin and Mark Thomas is that (1) I don't live in LA (2) I need to come up to speed reasonably fast for 2 small films I am working on (3) if Durgin or Thomas are such 'experts' why haven't they written books on the topic (4) script supervision is something that you learn on the job and not from a course (although a course is sure better than a book and a book better than nothing at all).

Although the book is not up to date with current technology (and really who can keep up) the basic core concepts remain.If you are thinking of going to film school or going to become a script supervisor it is a must read--as it spells out the most important part of the job..........there is a tremendous time commitment..........it's a cool job but you will work many long hours and you cannot miss a day.........this info alone is worth the $$.Whether the job requirements scare you or not there is a wealth of info for any field in the industry, because guess what...the script supervisor has to keep track of all of it!As a layman it's a cool insight into what goes on in the film industry--if you want to know and appreciate all that goes into a production pick up this book!

I wannabe a Script Supervisor! This is a great book, highly recommended by someone who works in themovie industry. There is a lot of info to absorb, but the book goes step by step, and I am familiar with the lingo.,and etiquette on the set. I guess being a Stage Manager for 30 years has had some influence! But this book I alsorecommend...get a hold of an actual movie script too. So you can apply what you are reading to an actual movie script!Great Book! Thanks!

Tells you everything you need to know about script supervising from an industry professional!

If you want to be a Script Supervisor start by reading this book.

This book can be called outdated, and some outright wrong information about the job today (starting, and stopping your stopwatch) depending on which Script Supervisor. However, ask any Script Supervisor on where to start learning the craft of Script Supervision, and they will tell you to read two books: Beyond Continuity by Mary Cybulski, and this book. There's a reason as to why.

Excellent book, exactly as described. Fast delivery, very satisfied!

Great book for learning the art of script supervising. It makes it so easy to develop your skills and work out what you're doing on set. The list of things to take with you, and the example sheets at the back are so, so helpful. I frequently refer back to this book when I have any questions or concerns before a shoot, and it never lets me down!

Despite the year it was printed in, it's still highly relevant and is an essential for all script supervisors young and old!Whilst I did study at film school I'm largely self-taught when it comes to script supervision - I found this book to be invaluable when it came to honing my craft!

A very good book which tells you everything you want to know. Invaluable to the beginner. It was very useful in preparing me for my first volunteer position in production. It would also be very useful as a reminder to those more experienced. I would definitely recommend it.