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• Script supervisor: Jane

Script supervisor: Jane

This Case Study belongs to Television production assistant.

I graduated from university with a degree in medieval and modern history and wrote a list of what I liked doing. Watching TV was one of those things! I did a secretarial course and applied for jobs with all TV companies and after six months I secured a job at LWT as a secretary. Whilst I was there, I spent my spare time researching all the different jobs in TV production and realised that the production assistant (PA) was pivotal to the production - everyone came to her to find out what was going on. When I initially trained, there was a structure that involved starting as a secretary (you have to be able to type quickly to do this job!) then applying for the training schemes as and when they came up. Now, it's possible to enter in other ways, but whichever way you seek to enter, it's critical to have media experience. I eventually left LWT to train at ITN.

The role has changed a lot in recent years, as previously the PA would join a production at the outset and be fully involved - in the setting up of the show, the recording/broadcasting of the show, the edit and the post production paper work - following the show through from start to finish. Many of the tasks have been taken over by other people, and my role is now that of a script supervisor. If I am doing a series, I usually join a week before the studio starts in order to put together the scripts. I then record the series, and depending on the production, I may or may not be asked to do the edit. If so, then I am still involved in the production. If not, I will be given the completed shows at a later date in order to do the post-production paperwork.

I often work in the studio gallery. That part of the job has changed little and is still the most challenging and entertaining part of the job. I work as part of the team but have some fairly specific tasks within that team. I am responsible for producing the script and the running order which enables people to know what is going on with the programme - bearing in mind that many of them just come in on the day to do their job on the show. Once rehearsals/recordings are under way, we call shots, time inserts into the show, and make notes on the script for the edit. If the show is live to air we are responsible for making sure the show goes on the air at the correct time and comes off the air at the correct time. It's a job where attention to detail is key. You have to be organised and be able to organise other people.

I enjoy working in television full stop. It's still the most fun you can have - even when things are not going well. Particularly in the studio gallery, you will have a laugh. And that's the most important thing. TV should not be taken too seriously - though it's important to always be professional when working and putting together a show.

I currently work as a freelancer, and though I'm no longer in a position to progress my career, I like my job, and I am able to work to suit myself.

Case Study sourced by Viki Chinn of London School of Economics and Political Science, 06 November 2008.