On low budget movies one of the crew members that tends to get overlooked is the Script Supervisor, but missing out this important role may be a mistake. Even on big budget titles this role is crucial and when there is one, mishaps still happen. One recent example of how the smallest continuity inconsistency can become distracting to an audience is in the epic opening battle in Ridley Scott's Napoleon. The battle of Toulon scene is huge in scale, a pivotal moment in Napoleon's journey - but of the millions of dollars on screen during this scene I was captivated by the $30 hat on Joaquin Phoenix's immensley talented head. At first it was on a jaunty diagonal angle, then he moves it so it is square on his head, but in the next shot it moves back to the jaunty diagonal, to a straight line from front to back, then diagonal again, and so on and so on. If the audience is distracted by the continuity, they're not watching what you want them to be watching.
Filmmaking / Directing : Script Supervisors and Napoleon's Hat by Ewan Dunbar
Other topics in Filmmaking / Directing:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
3 people like this
Wild to me that Scott let that show up - he must've really loved Phoenix in those two shots or just really needed a cut there. I've worked as a script supervisor on small productions and it is NO JOKE probably one of the most challenging jobs on set, and so so important
1 person likes this
You nailed this, Ewan Dunbar. To me, it's the unsung hero role. Not to go too far into details, but we were shooting a film in Chicago a few years back and our SS saved us a full day of shooting simply by catching a continuity error at the final minute. We would have broken down, cashed out, and have had zero coverage. Thankfully, she was on top of it all.
3 people like this
As a script supervisor I cannot agree more. It is astounding to me how many independent productions hire for this role at the last minute (like a day before shooting) and think that a "scripty's job is just continuity -- anyone can do it." First, don't call them scripty's. Second, a proper script supervisor breaks down the script in pre-production for the various departments, runs lines with the director and cast (and often rewrites them), runs all the daily reports on set for all crew and feeds the summaries to the next day's call sheets, is the director and AD's right hand, and acts as the editor's brain when they can't be on set -- plus tracks continuity and things that shouldn't be in frame. They are one of the few positions that don't get a break in between takes or set ups -- because they are doing so much paperwork!
All that said, I wonder if the hat issue was an editing choice where various coverage angles were used. I haven't seen Napoleon yet, but I will (because in my mind Joaquin can do no wrong even if his wardrobe does).
2 people like this
To be fair, some continuity issues are intentional. It might have a hidden meaning, perhaps that Napoleon wore many hats and wore them well.
1 person likes this
Yes, was distracted the other evening watching a movie when the lead actress puts on her signature cowboy hat before leaping out of a plane. I ponder, "Now how is that hat going to stay on her when she's free falling 120 mph+?" Sure enough, next Cut, she's falling, and no hat. Bothersome... because a child script continuity supervisor would've caught that. Too many discrepancies can indeed be distracting and even hurt the credibility of a film.
2 people like this
"It is astounding to me how many independent productions hire for this role at the last minute (like a day before shooting)" This. Happens all the time. And the results are forever captured.
1 person likes this
One slip and the rest of the film is derailed. "Scripty!" indeed.
1 person likes this
I agree, Ewan Dunbar. Script Supervisor is a crucial role. On low-budget and big-budget projects. When I watch movies on Amazon Prime, there's a sidebar that lists things about a movie's production. When I see continuity inconsistency show up in the sidebar, I wonder if there was a Script Supervisor on set.
2 people like this
I kind of want to write a short script called 'Napoleon's Hat' because of this.
3 people like this
I haven't seen the movie but plan on it and now more reason. BUT, on all the shows I've been on, although the script supervisor deals with continuity, every department also should be watching for their own continuity. Costumes should have been notifying the director (or Script Supervisor) of the hat changing too. Being a huge battle scene, sounds like everyone would have their hands full watching for matching. Also, being this huge scene, if there wasn't the opportunity to go back due to a hat issue, director may have just rolled the dice you'd be enjoying the movie - the costume department on the other hand is more than likely very unhappy. The actor might have put so much of himself into the shot that the director didn't want to put him through it again. So many reasons. OR, they lost the light! I just saw a silly movie last night, GENIE, and Melissa McCarthy in one scene is dressed in outfit from the previous day and then gets into car with present day's outfit - perhaps someone said "She's a genie, she changes at her whim!" because the continuity was wrong and it was still a funny scene. The Script Supervisor is watching so many things at one time, all departments should be also watching and then if there's a question, they should talk. These aren't the dark ages either, they have video playback too. I've seen departments take screenshots for their continuity. Low Budget or High Budget, it's not a job I want. Also, I guarantee that hat was not $30 despite what it looked like. haha. No way. Anyway, team effort, kudos to Script Supervisors but this sounds like there's way more to it if they left it that way for the big screen.
2 people like this
Excellent point, @Xochi Blymyer! The more eyes looking for continuity inconsistency, the better. It takes a team, like with many things in filmmaking and TV making.
1 person likes this
There's a portrait by Jacques-Louis David "The Emperor Napoleon in His Study", his hand is tucked inside his waistcoat, presumably a characteristic pose. The caption: "We're not leaving Russia until you find my other glove".