Script supervisors play a crucial role in the film production process by keeping track of the script during filming. They are responsible for maintaining continuity, noting changes in the script, and keeping track of the script’s progression.
One of the key tasks of a script supervisor is to “line” the script, which involves breaking down the script into individual shots and noting which scenes have been filmed and which still need to be shot.
Here are the basic steps for lining a film script:
Read through the script: Before you start lining the script, it’s important to read through it several times to get a good understanding of the story and the characters.
Break down the script: Break the script down into individual shots, noting the location, time of day, and any other relevant information for each shot.
Create a shot list: Organize the shots into a shot list, which can be used as a reference during filming.
Note changes: As you go through the script, note any changes or deviations from the script that occur during filming. This will help to maintain continuity and ensure that the final film follows the script as closely as possible.
Keep track of the script’s progression: As filming progresses, keep track of which scenes have been filmed and which still need to be shot. This will help you to stay on schedule and ensure that all scenes are covered.
Review and revise: After filming is complete, review and revise the lined script to ensure that it is accurate and complete. This will be used as reference for the next phase of the production, such as editing.
It’s important to keep in mind that lining a script is a detailed and time-consuming process, but it’s essential for maintaining continuity and ensuring that the final film follows the script as closely as possible.
How To Line A Film Script?
A film script is typically divided into three main sections: the slugline, the action, and the dialogue.
Slugline: The slugline, also known as the scene heading, is the first line of a scene and describes the location and time of day.
Action: The action describes what is happening in the scene. It should be written in present tense and in an active voice.
Dialogue: The dialogue is the conversation between the characters. The character’s name is written in capital letters before their lines of dialogue.
It is important to use proper screenplay formatting to make the script easy to read for industry professionals. This includes using proper margins, font, and spacing.
Also, it is very important to make sure that the script is visually engaging and easy to read for the reader, it should be written in a way that allows the reader to imagine the scene in his head, and that the story and the characters are well-defined and engaging.
Why Line A Script?
Scripts are lined to make them easy to read and understand for industry professionals, such as producers, directors, and actors.
Proper script formatting allows them to quickly and easily identify the different elements of the scene, such as the location, the action, and the dialogue.
Proper script formatting also helps the industry professionals to visualize the story and the scenes in their minds, which is crucial when they are deciding whether to invest in the project or not.
Proper script formatting also helps the writer to organize their thoughts and ideas and to convey their vision to the industry professionals in a clear and concise way.
In summary, lining a script is an important step in the filmmaking process that helps to make the script easy to read and understand for industry professionals, and that helps to convey the writer’s vision in a clear and concise way.
Lining Shots In A Script
In a script, lining shots refers to the process of describing the specific camera angles and movements that will be used in a particular scene.
This is done in the action section of the script, and is used to communicate the director’s vision for the visual style of the film to the cinematographer, the camera crew, and the actors.
For example, a script might have a line that reads “EXT. BEACH – DAY – WIDE SHOT” which tells the reader that the scene is taking place outside on a beach during the day, and that it will be shot from a wide angle.
Another line might read “INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT – MEDIUM SHOT – PAN LEFT” which tells the reader that the scene is taking place inside a living room at night, and that the camera will be in a medium shot and will pan from right to left.
It’s important to note that the script is not the place for shot by shot descriptions, but rather for general camera movements and framing, so that the director and the cinematographer can make creative choices on set.
Lining shots in a script can also be used to convey the tone and the emotional impact of a scene and to help the director and the actors to understand the writer’s vision for the film.
How To Make A Lined Script
Start with the correct format: Use industry-standard screenplay formatting, which typically includes 12-point Courier font, 1.5-inch margins, and double-spaced lines.
This will make your script easy to read and understand for industry professionals.
Use Sluglines: Sluglines, also known as scene headings, should be used to indicate the location and time of day of each scene. They should be written in all caps and be followed by a colon.
Write Action Descriptions: The action section should describe what is happening in the scene in present tense and in an active voice. It should be used to describe the physical actions of the characters and the visual elements of the scene.
Include Dialogue: Dialogue is the conversation between the characters. Each character’s name should be written in all caps before their lines of dialogue.
Add Shot Descriptions: If desired, include brief descriptions of camera angles and movements to indicate the desired visual style of the scene. These shot descriptions should be added to the action section.
Proofreading and Editing: Before submitting or sharing your script, proofread it for typos, grammar, and formatting errors. Make sure that the story is clear and engaging and that the characters are well-defined and consistent.
Use Script Writing software: Script writing software can help you with proper formatting, pagination and scriptwriting process, you can use programs like
By following these steps, you can create a lined script that is easy to read and understand for industry professionals, and that effectively conveys your story and vision.
Step 1: Setup Your Document
To set up your script document, you will need a word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Here are the steps to set up your script document:
Open your word processing software and start a new document.
Set the font to Courier 12 point. This is the industry standard font for scripts.
Set the margins to 1.5 inches on all sides. This will give you the proper amount of space for your script.
Set the line spacing to double. This will make the script easier to read for industry professionals.
Add page numbers to the top right corner of each page.
Create a header or footer with the title of your script and your name.
Save your document as a PDF file so that it is easily shareable and can be opened on any device.
If you want to use script writing software, download one of the script writing software such as
By setting up your document in this way, you will have a professional-looking script that is easy to read and understand for industry professionals.
How To Line A Film Script – Wrapping Up
Wrapping up a film script involves tying up any loose ends in the story, resolving conflicts and bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.
This can include a final confrontation or resolution between characters, a climactic event, or a resolution of the main character’s journey or arc.
It is also important to make sure that all subplots and secondary characters have been given proper closure.
Additionally, ending the script with a memorable line or image can leave a lasting impression on the audience.
