Meet Bridget Weitzel | Script Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget Weitzel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget. What was your thought process behind beginning a career in Script Supervising?
I have been working in production for many years, producing, craft service, second ADing, even a brief foray into costumes. But I was always interested in script supervising. It seemed to be in my wheelhouse and something I would be good at. I talked to a number of script supes on sets over the years, and the main consensus seemed to be that to do it right, I needed to take a specific course taught by the respected instructor Randi Feldman.

Throughout the years, I thought about it often, but never actually decided to do it. The timing never seemed right…until 2020 in the heart of the pandemic. The class was offered via zoom, and I had nothing but time, so I signed up. Very quickly I realized that this was indeed a perfect fit for me. I live for lists. I love to be right in the thick of things on set. I like having answers to help others. And actually being able to be a valuable part of the filmmaking process was even better than I had hoped.

I’ve learned over the years that when things are going right, doors will often fly open with very little effort. You just have to have the confidence to then walk through them. In November of 2020 I finished the intense 3 month script supervising class, and 6 days later I was offered my first feature. I was terrified, but walked through the door, did it, and have been loving it ever since. I feel so lucky to have come out of the pandemic with a new career. The times were so fraught with uncertainty, confusion, and fear, that by focusing my energies on something new and exciting that could ultimately change my life and career-path, I can honestly say that I ended quarantine better than I started it.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Everyone wants to know what sets someone apart from others in their field, and it is a tough question to answer. I mean, I want to embody all of the amazing qualities that the successful script supervisors who came before me have had. I want to build upon what I have been taught, and continue to grow and learn, and see where that takes me, but I am sure that doesn’t exactly set me apart from others.

Since being a script supervisor means I am a department of one on set, it is tough to compare myself to others and see how different folks work, but I do know that I want to be respected for a few specific things. I once heard my position referred to as the set oracle. We are supposed to know or be able to find the answers to all of the questions any department may have. I want to always be able to find those answers quickly, easily, and most of all calmly. I strive to be a positive energy on set who people can come to and ask a question and never feel stressed about having to talk to me. I want to be able to take their stress away, make them smile, and remind people how lucky we are to work in the industry we work in. I enjoy my job and hope that’s contagious, making days on set even more fun for everyone.

Was my journey into this field easy? As I mentioned in a previous question, once I started the path seemed to open up pretty easily. But actually finding this field seemed to take forever. I’m not in my 20s fresh out of school. I graduated from college years ago, but knew I would never use that degree. I tried so many different fields and jobs, but none ever seemed like the career path that was right for me. I was always searching, but also felt pretty lucky to live in a time and place (thank you LA) where 9-5 jobs do not have to be the norm. It only made sense I would find myself in the entertainment industry. Even within that, however, I always felt a bit unsettled. I hadn’t found THE job. The career. This is the first time I have felt that I found my calling. Freelancing in the industry still satisfies the wanderer in my soul and keeps me from being locked to a Mon-Fri job that is always the same, but joining my union, and beginning to make a name for myself as a script supervisor gives me a level of pride that I have not felt in any of my previous jobs. My career is off and running, even if it is a little later in life than many of my counterparts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man. Los Angeles is just so full of amazing places that it is really hard to narrow down an itinerary any time anyone comes to visit. The Alamo Draft house in DTLA is my favorite place to see movies. They serve food and drinks, the seats are huge and comfortable, and the whole vibe of the theater is so fun.

Thai food is my favorite, and Wat Thai Temple in North Hollywood has an incredible food court every weekend in the parking lot. The food is phenomenal and there are usually a few vendors selling things as well.

There are amazing restaurants in every corner of LA. From the plant-based magic of Cafe Gratitude on Larchmont, to ocean front dining at Duke’s or Gladstones in Malibu, to the fun and eclectic choices of Grand Central Market, you are guaranteed to find something special just about anywhere you look.

The Last Bookstore in downtown is a favorite date spot. Once a fabulous, giant bank, the store features a killer vinyl section, a true crime area in one of the old bank vaults, and little nooks and crannies with treasures to be found around every corner. There are also art galleries, and a comic book area, and is walking distance from the aforementioned Grand Central Market.

When it comes to Museums, I love them all. LACMA, both Gettys, the Museum of Death, and my favorite The Academy Museum are just a few that I would take visitors. The Godfather exhibit at the Academy Museum was a major highlight for me as that is my favorite movie, but the exhibits are always changing, and they have super rad events regularly as well.

I love to shop, and taking visitors shopping is always a blast. There are tons of vintage shops all around LA, including on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank. Hitting up Melrose, Venice Beach, the Rose Bowl Flea Market, or the Fashion District and Santee Alley is always a fun and memorable experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story would be nothing without the love, support, and encouragement of my family. My husband Randy is my rock and also my biggest cheerleader. He supports me in everything I do, and truly believes I can accomplish the things I want to. He celebrates the release of every project I work on, leaves me notes in my work bag before every new gig, and truly is the best partner I could ever imagine. I never would have had the guts to change my career without him by my side.

My parents and my incredible sister Jennifer have been so proud of my new path as well. From helping me get the gear that I needed, to cheering me on with every job, I will never take for granted having a family who not only believes in me, but is happy to see me succeed and will do anything in their power to help. My Dad passed away before I joined Local 871, but he knew I was on my way, and loved asking for details about this new job that he found so fascinating. I am so lucky to have been blessed with such an incredible family.

My best friend, Renetta Amador, who is an extremely talented director but who has script supervised for over 20 years, told me a decade ago that if I ever took the plunge, she would be there to guide me. And guide me she certainly has! She has helped me every single step of the way through this journey, from telling me which class to take and which books to read, to replying to every panicked on-set text question I send.

And last but most definitely not least, my teacher Randi Feldman changed my life when she offered her course, and accepted me into it. She gave me all the tools I could possibly need to be a successful script supervisor, and has complete faith that I can handle whatever comes my way professionally. We have gotten quite close, and our friendship means as much to me as her mentorship.

Instagram: QueenB_ontheMove

Facebook: facebook.com/bridgetstreb