Script Supervisors
LIVE TV SHOWS
Depending on whether it's a weekly show or a daily, the time you get the script can vary anything from a couple of weeks before hand (1st draft) to the day of the show (if a daily live show). Changes up until the last minute at any rate.
- If it's a "one off" directors will camera script it including any music numbers, and the PA will call the shots at the record / TX. attending rehearsals if required.
- If it's a formatted show once the director has scripted the first show, it generally stays the same for the rest of the run. (quiz shows etc) and quite often in this case the shots do not need calling by the PA (they're usually more worried about timings by then!)
- Camera cards are created by the PA (based on the camera script) and given to the camera supervisor on day of rehearsals.
- Timings are broken down before hand and a running order created for the programme. During rehearsals timings can be amended, and during the record / TX it is the PA who keeps the timings (sometimes a second PA is needed on live shows to do this, if it's a busy show)
- If the show is pre-recorded the PA will take notes for the edit. No. of takes / time-codes in and out etc.
- If the show is pre-recorded the PA will quite often attend the edit, though this does vary from production to production (usual budget costs!)
- Vision mixers will be given music numbers up front (if possible) so that they have a chance to listen to the music, otherwise they get their script on day of rehearsal.
- The gallery PA is responsible for liaising with Presentation, and for getting the programme on and off air at the determined times. Also to give timings to the presenters for each sequence, and for cueing VT's and grams alongside the director (some directors like to do this themselves, some don't)
- Eyelines and continuity don't really come into live programmes (unless there's a pre-recorded sequence we have to link in/out of)
