INTERNATIONAL SCRIPT SUPERVISION TRAINING
Become a
Director Whisperer
50 HOURS OF PROVEN TRAINING TO BEGIN YOUR CAREER AS A KEY DEPARTMENT HEAD IN THE EXCITING WORLD OF FILM & TV WITHOUT THE EXPENSE OF FILM SCHOOL
(OR EVEN HAVING TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE)
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT YOU DON'T NEED A FILM DEGREE TO HAVE A FULFILLING CAREER IN THE FILM BUSINESS?
I'm Daniela Saioni, an internationally-recognized script supervisor in film & television who has worked in 10 countries with multiple A-list directors, performers and crews. I love my job and I have a specific approach to my work: I not-so-jokingly refer to myself as a "Director Whisperer".
Although I don't regret going to film school, it had little impact on my career. And if being able to afford film school feels like a barrier to entry in the film business, I am here to confirm that you don't necessarily need to spend the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars it takes to go to film school to have a great career in the industry. I know that for a fact because I have been training script supervisors and directors since 1995 through a proven program I developed that has led hundreds of people in 27 countries - including many who had never previously gone to film school or ever been on a film set - to successful film careers.
I don't come from a family of filmmakers or live in L.A. In fact, I grew up in what is commonly seen as one of the poorest communities in Canada, the daughter of Italian immigrants who did not support my dream of working in film. I worked three jobs to pay my way through film school and graduated with a crippling student debtload in the middle of a recession.
Struggling financially and unfulfilled in my part-time gig as an assistant film editor in documentary, I begged my mentor to help me find a way to make a living on set in drama. She said, "I can get you a paid gig right now as a script supervisor" and I looked at her blankly and said, "what's that?". She smiled and said, "Show up tomorrow. You have editing experience so you'll do great."
And even though I had little idea what my duties were that first day, I took my cues from the director and knew in the first few hours I had found my calling. We definitely didn't learn about this role in film school.
About three years from that day, while we were still in a recession, I joined my first union, booked a TV series, paid off my student loans in full, backpacked through Europe all summer and put away a bunch of money for my retirement. I was 24 years old and I hadn't been on holiday since I was a child. And life only got better from there.
Because, the truth is, you don't need to work all year to earn six figures as a union script supervisor, so you can design the life you dream of. I do love the job but I also have many creative interests, so for most of my career, I personally chose to work six months on set and use the rest of my time to pursue my other passions: writing, teaching, performing and travelling.
Fast Track to Your Dream Job
Here's a shot of my workstation on the beaches of the Dominican Republic during the filming of xXx: The Return of Xander Cage in 2016 (that wasn't really my dream job, I just enjoy this photo).
Back up just a second - did you really just say one of your passions is teaching?
Absolutely. I began teaching and designing filmmaking courses because I love the challenge of taking complex subjects and breaking them down in entertaining ways that everyone can understand and put into practice. More importantly, I had unlocked a major secret way in to an industry and lifestyle that previously seemed unattainable to someone like me, and I was fuelled by my belief that everyone should have access to quality jobs in the film industry.
So for years I kept my course fees accessible, and I built a legacy of diverse script supervisors who are now my peers, some of who went on to became directors I now work with. This is not surprising, because the first thing I ask of you as my script supervision student is the same thing that set me apart early on in my own career: that you think like a filmmaker. You become a valued member of the director's team and stand out among your peers by being a Director Whisperer, which is the paradigm I have used to train my exceptional alumni for over 28 years.
It's no accident that directors wanting to learn about creative and technical coverage design beyond or without film school heard what I was doing and also sought out my coverage class (the first half of my Director Whisperer training program to help you thoroughly understand the director's process of choosing the shots they will use to tell their story visually, a process that we need to be able to fully troubleshoot and support).
My training program consists of several parts, with a foundation of two main sections: the coverage class for filmmakers and script supervisors, AM I COVERED? THE ART OF VISUAL STORYTELLING FOR FILM & TV and the SCRIPT SUPERVISION INTENSIVE. Plus, there are several bonuses and masterclasses that I keep adding to, and a weekly live Q&A component, feedback via email on your homework assignments, a resume review, and an option to add competitively-priced private coaching time with me in future (via Zoom or live) at any stage of your career.
This is a fully online, comprehensive career training program with 52 hours of lectures, plus over 20 hours of bonus talks and interviews, and over 120 hours of live Q&A archives and ongoing weekly live Q&As.
The course fee is based on a low rate of pay for 1 week of indie non-union work, or just over two days of pay on a union film set. It is an accessible rate for this level of training by someone with my experience as both a veteran script supervisor and a veteran teacher.
When you graduate, you not only receive a Certificate of Completion from a respected industry veteran, you get access to me for life in my alumni group, where you can ask ongoing questions and network with your fellow Director Whisperer community around the globe. I post gigs there that come directly from producers looking for my graduates, who are notoriously well-trained. Though most of those gigs are in Canada, one of the joyful things I have been seeing in that alumni community is how Director Whisperers in the US, UK, Australia and far beyond are helping each other with gigs in their areas.
I am one of the rare instructors who trains you in both internationally-recognized systems of paperwork: US and UK, because in Canada we have to be fluent in both systems, and because I also want my alumni to be prepared to work internationally, as I have.
The Beta phase of the online version of the Director Whisperer Training Program exceeded my wildest expectations, with the vast majority of my alumni around the globe finding work and starting careers and distinguishing themselves shortly after completing the program. They continue to send me their accolades from producers, directors and editors who value their work, and I could not be prouder.
The program is currently transtioning from the Beta version to Version 2.0, which I expect to be available by September 2024 and will cost $1497US. I was going to shut down registrations completely in the meantime, but people urgently still requested training in advance of the busy year ahead, so I came up with a solution: an interim rate of $1297US for those who need to start right away. You can access the current version of the program immediately, then when the new version is ready, you will automatically receive access without having to pay an upgrade fee.
There is no tax applicable outside of Canada, and for those who live in Canada, I will incorporate the taxes into the total (meaning, no additional fees will apply beyond the $1297 US or the $349 US x 4 payment plan).
PART ONE
AM I COVERED?
Here's what you'll learn
The director's process of selecting the shots they will use to tell their story visually, and how the script supervisor supports them in that process
A deep dive into the 180 rule or Axis of Action and how to use it as an artistic tool, not a limit
Different coverage scenarios (three-person scene, walk & talk, courtroom, party scenes, etc.)
Shotlisting and technical troubleshooting
Filmmaking tools in the director's toolkit
Script analysis methods directors use to translate emotional beats into shots
.. and so much more!
AM I COVERED?
PART TWO
SCRIPT SUPERVISION INTENSIVE
Here's what you'll learn
What script supervisors do in prep and how to execute a solid script timing
How to strategize your career, interview your director and land the job
A script supervisor's day on set & "seeing" like a continuity person
Editing theory & axis refresher
Paperwork & digital workflow options
Working with different acting styles
Multicam, blockshooting & 2nd unit
SCRIPT SUPERVISION INTENSIVE
Plus Several Bonus Talks...
SCRIPT SUPERVISING THE BLOCKBUSTER ACTION MOVIE (3-hour Masterclass)
SCRIPT SUPERVISING COMEDY FILM & TV (3-hour Masterclass)
WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS? How to Troubleshoot a Schedule (3.5 hr Masterclass)
NEGOTIATING YOUR DEAL
WORK-LIFE BALANCE & FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR SCRIPT SUPERVISORS
THE FINE ART OF ACTOR WHISPERING
HOW TO INTERVIEW YOUR DIRECTOR AND LAND THE GIG.. and so much more!
Daniela's course was absolutely indispensable to my career in the film industry. She is a knowledgeable teacher with decades of experience as a script supervisor, and I consider her my mentor.
MT (Toronto, Canada) - Class of 2009
Hannibal Season 3, Suits Seasons 5 to 9
Daniela's training is a must for anyone getting into script supervising. Her extensive industry experience, passion for her work, and friendly and supportive personality makes learning about the job a breeze. You'll also get a ton of fun on-set anecdotes while you learn.
Beth Mell (Toronto, Canada) Class of 2018
Umbrella Academy Eps 208 - 210, Between Waves, Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey
I hadn’t heard of the Script Supervisory position prior to taking the course and Daniela’s clear and concise teachings put all of my transferable skills into place! Without her encouragement, I would never have taken that frightening plunge into the world of film. After the course, she always kept in touch with advice, job leads, and
positive words!
Julie Webster (Vancouver, BC) Class of 2012
When The Streetlights Go On, Wu Assassins, William
Daniela was my gateway to beginning to understand of the mechanics of film and tv. When I took Daniela's class 11 years ago, I had never even heard script and continuity supervision. After taking it, I had a healthy respect for the work we do and I had gained the confidence to speak up about anything I thought was important. It was also through this work that I realized that I wanted to direct and that this position was one of great privilege in that I had access to ask questions of any department to further my "education". Daniela's extensive experience and wit make her class fascinating and a pleasure.
Forbes C. (Toronto, Canada) Class of '09
After taking Daniela's class in August 2018 I worked my first feature that October called Queen of the Morning Calm. Daniela, thank you for holding my hand with all your quick and informative responses to all my questions and concerns! You made this possible. I didn't think I could do it but you kept me supported even though I was hired the night before going to set. I never had a trajectory before Script Supervision. Changed my life to have a career.
Cristina M. (Toronto) Class of 2018
Cosmic Dawn, All Joking Aside
I'm a Continuista (Script Supervisor) and Daniela's program has helped me to be more precise with my job, be more open with the visual storytelling and to learn the different ways of working in other countries. Sharing experiences and knowledge with others from around the world was amazing. I recommend all her classes 100%.
Leticia Rojas (Dominican Republic)
Script Supervisor
I had the pleasure of taking Daniela's Director Whisperer Program and I learned so much from her in a brief period of time. Not only did I leave the program with the tools to start as an emerging script supervisor, but now I also have the confidence and desire to direct future projects of my own. Daniela combines her industry experience with humor that keeps you engaged, as well as guest experts who share their own wisdom. I recommend this course to all aspiring filmmakers!
Zaki Farow (Toronto, Canada)
Class of 2020
Daniela's course gave me the confidence that I will be great at this job, and the reassurance that I can reach out to her and her course when I get stuck. Doing the course in person was a great way to network with other industry folks, and having the course available to me online means I can go at it at my own pace, and go back to it when I start a new gig, which I am very grateful for. Daniela is an excellent teacher, always willing to answer any questions, without making you feel foolish for asking. I highly recommend learning whatever you can from her!
Lauren Allen (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor
I took both of Daniela's "Am I Covered?" and her "Script Supervisor Intensive" workshops and found them to be incredibly informative and educational. These were both areas of the film industry I had little understanding and knowledge of, but since taking them I feel much more confident in my ability to move in the direction of those lines of work. Daniela is a great instructor who provides her students with honest feedback, examples and lively discussion.
Alison Headrick (Vancouver, B.C.)
Daniela is a wonderful teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed her Am I Covered? class but then signed up for the full Director Whisperer program. Even though I have already worked as a script supervisor for some years it was a highly interesting and entertaining endeavour, validating in many ways how I already work, which we don’t receive much when we’re in the field.
I found her advice informative, her stories valuable and the lessons themselves were great fun. I’d very happily do it all again.
Learning never ends and with someone as experienced as Daniela, you’re always learning something new.
Shaida Kazemi (London, UK)
Script Supervisor (Invasion, The Nevers, After Love)
Daniela’s course gave me everything I needed to start my first job within a week from taking it, and I haven’t stopped working since! Not only was I more prepared than I thought possible to take on the challenges of set, but off set Daniela has built an ongoing community for her students, which is unheard of for such a solitary department. Two years in and I’m still constantly checking in with the hive mind, and receiving genuine support, care, and non stop industry insights from her! This course literally changed my life, and made pursuing my dream career a reality.
Shawna E. (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor (The Fight Machine, Ghost BFF S2, Neon Lights)
Daniela's course was amazing for providing a comprehensive, intensive course on the foundations of script supervision! It has truly helped me better understand and improve my script supervision. I would highly recommend the course to anyone wishing to learn about script supervision - or to anyone interested in building more solid foundations re: an editing-focused approach to script supervision!
Michaela K. (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor
Daniela is one of the best teachers I’ve had. Her Director's Whisperer program was informative, organized, and exciting — oh the stories you will hear! She is a master of her craft who dedicates her time and energy to fostering the growth of her students. Best of all, Daniela's charm, easy-going nature, and excellent communication skills make the course enjoyable and digestible! I recommend this class to anyone looking for the tools and knowledge to confidently start a script supervising career!
M.J. (Toronto, Canada)
Daniela was able to successfully orchestrate and condense a wealth of knowledge and experience into a coherent and concise course. Not only did I feel more confident going forward, but her lively and comedic personality made the class even supersede my original expectations. Now, I'm proud to be able to call myself a "Director Whisperer!"
Elizabeth May Potter (Ohio, USA)
The Director Whisperer program is an incredibly comprehensive course for learning about Direction, Visual Storytelling, and Script Supervision at any level in your career. I took this course with a background in theatre but none in film, and after two days (I had a in-person course) I felt I was ready and able to start working in film immediately. Daniela is thorough and supportive as a teacher, giving you everything you need to know to get a job out the gate and keeps supporting you post-course with job opportunities, a community of alumni to ask questions and lean on, and Daniela continues to be there for you as you work on your first project or your fiftieth. Absolutely essential for Script Supervisors and will improve a Director's mind for visual storytelling tenfold.
Joseph Burdi (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor, Director, Producer
Sharing the trailer of my very first gig as a script supervisor. Looking forward to more. The work has truly been eye opening in so many different ways. Best thing I did in 2020 was take Director Whisperers! Thanks, Daniela Saioni.
Melissa Toussaint (Montreal, Canada)
Actor / Script Supervisor
Daniela's understanding of visual story-telling, technical knowledge of the craft, her sensibility and humour all make the training program unique. I had the privilege to shadow Daniela on set and to take her intensive Script Supervising course. The experience paved my way into the industry.
Charles Jodoin-Keaton (Paris, France)
Continuity Supervisor (War of the Worlds S1&2, Versailles, The Good Place)
I was Daniela's first student in '93 and shadowed her for one month on William Shatner's Tek War series and I have had a lucrative, exciting, challenging and ever changing career ever since. Her depth of experience (add 27 more years worth now); her ability to explain clearly the process of filmmaking as it applies to Script Supervision as the back up for so many departments, all the while making it seem doable and even fun., gave me my career.
Catherine Taylor (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor (Trailer Park Boys, The Strain, Handmaid's Tale)
Daniela is a fantastic instructor, one of the best I had in my almost two decade career in the industry. She has that rare quality of being a really great teacher, who really dominates the subjects she's teaching while also knowing exactly how to pass on her knowledge to us. What makes her stand out though, is how inspiring she is to all her students. She cheers us even after the class is over, giving us support, kind words and guidance. Her belief in us gives us that confidence boost we all need when we are starting a new endeavour.
Leandro Matos (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor / Screenwriter (H.Appiness, Drunk History, Love.com)
The Director Whisperer program is a fantastic resource for those looking to gain the knowledge and skills of working in film. Daniela is incredibly knowledgeable, gives real-world examples, and provides all the necessary elements needed to begin a career in Script Supvervision. I could not rate this course more highly!
Lindsay Morell (North Bay, Ontario)
Screenwriter and Script Supervisor Trainee
My first continuity training was with Daniela. Without it I could not have handled continuity work. Considering continuity work again, I knew training with Daniela was the first place to start.
Colina Philliips (GTA / Hamilton, Canada)
Writer/Filmmaker/Musician/Continuity Supervisor (Paradise Falls, The Collosal Failure of the Modern Relationship)
Daniela's course is a beautiful whirlwind of information presented in the friendliest, most approachable way. I can't believe she doesn't have waiting lists for her workshops and courses! And she is so supportive to her alumni, it's great to know I can always reach out with questions or concerns about the industry. 5 film reels out of 5!
Emily D. (Toronto, Canada)
Emerging Script Supervisor (Distant Cousins, Compliance, Disclosure)
Daniela's devotion and generosity to her students and teaching continue far beyond the last day of class. Daniela remains available and responsive to any questions and concerns we have as we move towards building our careers. Additionally, she welcomes us into a community of our peers, encouraging us to keep learning and growing together.
Julie S. (Montreal, Canada)
Script Supervisor
Daniela’s course is everything it promises and when it says “and so much more” she totally delivers on that as well. The course is super informative and so much fun, I enjoyed every minute of it. I particularly enjoyed, the director’s process of selecting the shots they will use to tell the story because it was beautiful to see how this created emotion for the viewer. I also does her breakdown in prep, this saves so much time and yet is packed with all the information you need in one document. Daniela, is truly an inspiration who delivers the knowledge with such generosity and joy.
Alix M. (London, UK)
Script Supervisor
Magnificently insightful for a beginner in Script Supervision. Delivered with the utmost enthusiasm. I would highly recommend this course!
Erica R. (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor
Very, very intensive, but super useful to get insights about the role of the script supervisor not just from a technical point of view but from the storytelling. Training to be a script supervisor was also a training to see, consider and evaluate those that look like details but often are key elements to tell a good story.
Chiara Asia Carnevale (Toronto, Canada)
Set Decorator / Production Coordinator
When taking a workshop with Daniela Saioni, it's like going into a craftsman trade workshop and apprenticing with the masters. She has all the tools and mechanisms to impart but when in a pinch and all else fails, she teaches you how to use the basic pen and paper approach to do your job professionally. I was tested when power went out on my first day as a script supervisor and I couldn't use my computer. I was able to take what I learned and applied it to get setup in the dark. Once power was back, transitioning to technology was equally as seamless. If you want to learn a skill that's going to set you apart as a filmmaker, investing in the Director Whisperer Training Program with Daniela is it. Her guidance made my first day on set feel amazing, imagine what it can do for you.
Ryan Singh (Toronto, Canada)
Script Supervisor / Filmmaker
Your class gave me the confidence boost I needed and really made me see our world thru the eyes of the Director. Is a huge help.
Just wanted to thank you and tell you that I got “My own show” as the Main Unit Script Supervisor for the Showtime TV Show “The Chi”. I am working in my own city doing a job I love and I couldn’t have done it without your guidance and teachings.
Marianna Harrison (Chicago, US)
Script Supervisor (McDonald's Commercial, The CHI S1, Fargo S4)
About Daniela
Daniela Saioni has been script supervising for 30 years internationally with A-list directors including Paul Feig, Mimi Leder, Bruce Beresford, Greg Daniels, Davis Guggenheim, David F. Sandberg and has also supported many first-time directors through their first time on set. She has script supervised blockbusters like Shazam!, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, A Simple Favor, xXx: The Return of Xander Cage and cult darlings like Jason X and The Boondock Saints, as well as hundreds of hours of TV series (Suits, Covert Affairs, Soul Food: The Series, People of Earth).
She is also a character actress, former stand-up comic and multi-award winning comedy screenwriter.
See IMDB for full credit list.
Some of the Many Shows Daniela's Alumni Have Script Supervised Include:
What You'll Get...
(apart from solid training)
Signed Completion Certificate upon completing the core videos and finishing the final assignment
A database of paperwork examples, including editable Forms and Templates you can use in your own work
In-class private Facebook Group with over 80 hours of archived weekly live Q&As, plus ongoing live Q&As every week until late October 2023 (potentially longer, depending on the timing of the release of Version 2.0)
Direct feedback from me on your resume, and how to make it more industry-friendly
LIfetime access to my private alumni Facebook group, Daniela's Director Whisperers, where I continue to give all my alumni feedback and support, and where you can network with your fellow director whisperers internationally
If you live in Ontario and have completed the program, you can get on my gig list where I help get my alumni job placements on their first few years of shows and movies (I have been able to help some of my international alumni secure gigs in their area as well from time to time, but mostly my incredible international community of alumni connect with and help their fellow Director Whisperers).