ScriptE Featured User: Script Supervisor Jodi Domanic
Jodi Domanic on set
In the ever-evolving landscape of script supervision, Jodi's journey spans nearly 25 years, shaped by pivotal moments like a chance encounter on a short film set. From her roots as a Key PA, navigating the industry's intricacies, to becoming a pioneer in digital script supervision with ScriptE, Jodi's story underscores the transformative power of technology. Embracing ScriptE from its inception, she streamlined her workflow, and with version 3, saw it revolutionize collaboration across episodic television. For Jodi, ScriptE is a gateway to efficiency, creativity, and seamless continuity in the digital age of filmmaking.
A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Career and Early Adopter of ScriptE
Jodi has been Script Supervising for almost 25 years, and it all started with a chance meeting on a short film set. She was working as a Key PA, trying to figure out her place in the industry, when she met Tony Pettine—the first Script Supervisor she’d ever encountered. Little did she know, this encounter would shape the rest of her career.
“I was extremely fortunate because I was Key PA-ing on a weekend short, just trying to get into the business,” Jodi recalls. “Tony had volunteered to help out a friend on this short, and I saw what he was doing, and it just hit me. I knew instantly that this was something I wanted to do.”
Tony, who would go on to mentor Jodi, introduced her to ScriptE, the software he was developing. Jodi was one of the first Script supervisors to use it, and she’s proud to be the first to get certified on ScriptE. “I think I’m the first Script Supervisor to get certified on ScriptE,” she says, excited about her involvement from the very beginning.
For Jodi, moving from paper to a digital system like ScriptE was a big leap. “The initial leap going from paper to digital, you know, it’s a little bit of an act of faith,” she admits. “But once I did it and got used to it, I just cannot imagine going back.”
Jodi Domanic on set next o a slot machine
Efficiency in Episodic Television
In episodic television, where Jodi often works, she regularly handles crossboarding—working across multiple episodes in a single day. This was another area where ScriptE made a massive difference. “In one day, you could be working across four different episodes. Imagine filling out paperwork for all of them, double the work, having to do both the facing pages and the editor's log. That just seems impossible when you're shooting 60-70 setups a day.”
Jodi’s not just relieved by the time saved—she also enjoys the freedom to focus on the parts of Script Supervising she loves: continuity coverage and helping the director, cast and crew.. “Paperwork is the least fun aspect of my job. That’s why I like ScriptE—it gives me so much more time to focus on the real creative part, which is what I love.”
One of Jodi’s biggest praises for ScriptE, though, is the ability to share files quickly and easily between units, particularly second units. This is where she really sees the value of the software. “The file-sharing capability with second units is amazing,” she says with enthusiasm. “Instead of writing everything out for them, I can just upload my file, and within minutes, the second unit has all the info they need.”
Collaboration Across Units and Continents
Jodi recalls an experience from The Night Agent, where this feature was a game changer. The show involved multiple units shooting in different locations, including a stunt sequence with a moving truck. “We had to shoot the close-ups with the main unit, and then the second unit took care of the wider shots. I captured all the matching details, like what the actors were wearing, the props, and how the truck was positioned. I uploaded everything to ScriptE and sent it to the second unit.”
The second unit Script Supervisor, working on a different set, was able to access the file instantly. “I didn’t have to spend hours writing everything out for them. I just uploaded my file, and within minutes, they had everything: photos, camera info, continuity notes. They didn’t need to ask me a thousand questions or try to figure anything out. It was all there.”
This level of efficiency became especially useful when Jodi worked with international units. The Night Agent shot in locations as far afield as the Dominican Republic, and the second unit Script Supervisor there also used ScriptE. Jodi was able to sync her files with them, ensuring continuity no matter how far away they were. “The second unit in the Dominican Republic was able to access my files instantly. They had all the matching details and character info. It saved me so much time and made sure there was no confusion. Everything they needed was right there.”
For Jodi, this ability to share and transfer data instantly is a huge time-saver. “Being able to send files to second units, especially when they haven’t been on set, is invaluable. It’s like a whole new way of collaborating.”
“I don’t know how I’d do this job without it. It makes everything easier, from sharing files with second units to handling continuity across multiple episodes. It’s an absolute game-changer.””
Simplifying the Complex
Jodi Domanic on set next to a goat
And it's not just about sharing files with second units. Jodi also praises how ScriptE helps streamline the prep process for every project, particularly when it comes to handling continuity over multiple episodes. On The Night Agent, for example, where the story unfolds over just two weeks, keeping track of continuity with hero props and character injuries was vital. “For a show like this, continuity is crucial. With ScriptE, I can track things like when a character’s gun appears or disappears in each episode. And the best part? Once I add that info in one place, it automatically updates everywhere.” She continues, “It’s incredible how much time that saves. I don’t have to go back and check every scene to make sure I didn’t miss anything. ScriptE just keeps everything organized for me.”
And when it comes to the practical side of shooting, like dealing with the Progress Report(s) at the end of a long day, ScriptE saves Jodi from the grueling math she used to do manually. “I remember having to do all that math—adding up pages, subtracting, figuring out how much time was left. Now ScriptE handles that for me. I just pull up the Progress Report and make sure it matches my previous one. That’s it. It’s such a relief, especially after a long, exhausting day.”
In the world of fast-paced production, where every minute counts, Jodi’s experience shows how powerful and effective digital tools like ScriptE can be. “It’s all about saving time so you can focus on what matters most: the creative side of the job,” Jodi reflects.
As for the future, Jodi is sticking with ScriptE. “I don’t know how I’d do this job without it. It makes everything easier, from sharing files with second units to handling continuity across multiple episodes. It’s an absolute game-changer.”
