Script Coordinator Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Script Coordinator starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Writing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Script Coordinator, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Script Coordinator onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Script Coordinator Onboarding Checklist
1. Introduction to the company: The new script coordinator should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.
2. Familiarization with the writing team: The script coordinator should be introduced to the writing team, including writers, showrunners, and other key personnel. This will help them understand the dynamics of the team and establish relationships. The task is usually performed by the showrunner or a senior member of the writing team.
3. Understanding the script development process: The script coordinator needs to be familiarized with the script development process, including how scripts are written, revised, and approved. This task is typically performed by the showrunner or a senior member of the writing team.
4. Learning the script formatting guidelines: The script coordinator should be provided with the company’s specific script formatting guidelines to ensure consistency across all scripts. This task is usually performed by the showrunner or a designated script formatting specialist.
5. Familiarization with script management software: The script coordinator should be trained on the script management software used by the company, such as Final Draft or Celtx. This will enable them to efficiently handle script revisions, version control, and distribution. The task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated software trainer.
6. Understanding the script revision process: The script coordinator should be familiarized with the script revision process, including how revisions are tracked, documented, and communicated to the writing team. This task is usually performed by the showrunner or a senior member of the writing team.
7. Learning the script distribution process: The script coordinator should be trained on how scripts are distributed to various stakeholders, such as actors, directors, and producers. This includes understanding confidentiality protocols and ensuring timely delivery. The task is typically performed by the showrunner or a designated script distribution coordinator.
8. Familiarization with script databases and archives: The script coordinator should be introduced to the company’s script databases and archives, where past scripts and related materials are stored. This will help them access reference materials and maintain an organized script library. The task is usually performed by the showrunner or a designated script archivist.
9. Understanding script clearance and legal requirements: The script coordinator should be educated on script clearance and legal requirements, such as copyright, trademark, and defamation issues. This will ensure compliance and minimize legal risks. The task is typically performed by the showrunner or a designated legal advisor.
10. Training on script coordination tools: The script coordinator should receive training on various script coordination tools, such as script breakdown software, scheduling software, and production management systems. This will enable them to effectively coordinate script-related activities with other departments. The task is typically performed by the showrunner or a designated script coordination specialist.
11. Familiarization with production timelines and deadlines: The script coordinator should be provided with an overview of production timelines and deadlines, including script delivery dates, table reads, and production milestones. This will help them prioritize tasks and ensure timely script-related deliverables. The task is typically performed by the showrunner or a designated production coordinator.
12. Understanding the script revision tracking system: The script coordinator should be trained on the company’s script revision tracking system, which may involve using software or manual tracking methods. This will help them keep track of script changes and ensure accurate version control. The task is typically performed by the showrunner or a designated script revision coordinator.
13. Learning script continuity and story bible management: The script coordinator should be educated on script continuity and story bible management, including maintaining consistency in character traits, storylines, and plot developments. This task is usually performed by the showrunner or a designated script continuity specialist.
14. Familiarization with script-related meetings and communication: The script coordinator should be introduced to script-related meetings, such as writers’ room sessions, script read-throughs, and production meetings. They should also be familiarized with communication channels used for script-related discussions, such as email, project management tools, or collaboration platforms. The task is typically performed by the showrunner or a designated script coordination specialist.
15. Shadowing experienced script coordinators: The new script coordinator should have the opportunity to shadow experienced script coordinators to observe their day-to-day tasks, gain practical insights, and learn best practices. This task is typically arranged by the showrunner or a designated mentor within the writing team.
By completing these onboarding tasks, the new script coordinator will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the writing team and ensure smooth script coordination within the company
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Script Coordinator checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Script Coordinator up to speed and working well in your Writing team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.