User of the Month January 2025: Script Supervisor Ana Sebal
Join us as we spotlight veteran script supervisor Ana Sebal, whose career journey spans decades of on-set expertise, from her beginnings in the film industry in Vancouver to her influential role in adopting ScriptE as a key tool for continuity and collaboration. In this interview, Ana shares her insights on script supervision, her very honest opinions about the evolution of digital tools, and her tips for thriving in a fast-paced industry.
From Film School to Script Supervision: A Journey Rooted in Passion
Ana Sebal’s path to script supervision began after she moved from Belgrade, Serbia, to Vancouver in 1997, during a booming era for the film industry. While studying at Capilano University, she discovered the script supervisor program, which aligned perfectly with her passion for detail, organization, and storytelling.
“Script supervision checked all the boxes for me,” Ana shares. Through mentorships and apprenticeships with experienced supervisors like Kelly Moon, she learned the “old school” pen-and-paper approach, which laid a strong foundation for her career.
However, it wasn’t an easy road—Ana spent seven years working on independent films and commercials before earning her union membership in 2007. “It was tough, but every project taught me something valuable,” she says. This determination and dedication shaped Ana into the accomplished script supervisor she is today.
Leading the Way with ScriptE: A Game-Changer for the Industry
In 2007, Ana was part of a pivotal moment in script supervision. As the industry transitioned from film to digital formats, Ana and her union colleagues sought a tool to modernize their workflows. Enter ScriptE.
“Tony’s ScriptE was a revelation,” Ana recalls. She attended a workshop in Los Angeles, brought the program back to Vancouver, and helped train her department in its use. Since then, Ana has been a champion of ScriptE, praising its ability to streamline workflows and make vital information accessible in real time.
Today, Ana uses both the iPad and Mac versions of ScriptE, depending on the demands of the set. “The iPad is great for outdoor shoots in the mountains or forests—it’s portable and fits perfectly in a waterproof case. But for studio work, I still love using my MacBook,” she explains.
“Version 3 is a massive leap forward from improved file-sharing capabilities to enhanced element tracking, the new version makes script supervision even more efficient.”
Embracing Change: ScriptE Version 3 and the Evolution of the Role
As a beta tester for ScriptE Version 3, Ana has firsthand experience with its updates and improvements. “Version 3 is a massive leap forward…”, she says. “…from improved file-sharing capabilities to enhanced element tracking, the new version makes script supervision even more efficient.
One feature Ana loves is the ability to update elements across the entire script with a single change. “If a character’s wedding ring disappears for a scene, I can adjust it once, and it’s updated everywhere. It’s a huge timesaver,” she notes.
Ana encourages fellow supervisors to embrace the software fully. “Press every button, explore every feature, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from the community,” she advises.
“If a character’s wedding ring disappears for a scene, I can adjust it once, and it’s updated everywhere. It’s a huge timesaver.”
Tips for Aspiring Script Supervisors
For those starting out in script supervision, Ana emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and solution-driven. “Listen more than you talk,” she advises. “Be there for private blockings, understand the director’s vision, and always think about how to support the story.”
She also stresses the value of staying calm under pressure. “You’re the calm in the storm. If you’re collected and solution-oriented, people will trust and respect you,” she says.
Ana also encourages supervisors to invest in learning, whether through books like The Five Cs of Cinematography or hands-on experience on student films and commercials. “Every project, no matter how small, adds to your knowledge,” she says.
“You’re the calm in the storm. If you’re collected and solution-oriented, people will trust and respect you.”
The Heart of Filmmaking: Passion and Collaboration
For Ana, script supervision is more than a job—it’s a calling. “Film sets feel like home to me,” she says. “The collaboration, the creativity, the energy—it’s what I love most about this work.”
From her early days learning continuity with pen and paper to her current role as a mentor and ScriptE advocate, Ana’s career is a testament to passion, adaptability, and the power of the right tools.
Ready to learn more from Ana? Check out the full podcast interview above for her favorite on-set stories, her thoughts on the future of script supervision, and her tips for making the most of ScriptE.
