UK Slating: Multi-Unit Workflow for Script Supervisors

3 Jun

Written By Jessica Liander - Squarespace Designer

This is how I like to structure the slating workflow when working with a UK slating system across multiple units. This is a system I deviced myself when working on a TV series with several units, both supervised and unsupervised by a script supervisor, and it was very much appreciated by post. I talked them through it in the post workflow meeting, and provided a written guide as well. Since then, I’ve used it very successfully on several productions.

A consistent, clear slate format makes it easier for the post-production team to interpret footage, match it to reports, and avoid timeline confusion. When multiple units are rolling or when a script supervisor isn't present, consistent slate labeling is crucial.

Main Unit Slating

For the main unit, we use a standard, sequential number slate (1, 2, 3, and so on), regardless of camera used. This becomes the spine of the production's continuity structure.

Why this works:
Editorial knows that slates without any prefix are from the main unit, and that the script supervisor has tracked them fully in the continuity log.

Main unit slate clapper board UK slating — **Main Unit Slate**

Camera card/roll
Scene number
Slate number (sequential per setup)
Take number

All main unit footage follows this logic, whether it's from A-cam or C-cam. That way, there's no ambiguity in editorial.

2nd Unit Slating

The second unit uses a separate letter/number slate series beginning with the letter X (X1, X2, X3, etc.). This system isn’t about hierarchy — it’s simply a practical way to prevent the main unit and second unit from using the same slate numbers.

Why it matters:
Using a distinct slate prefix for second unit helps editorial clearly differentiate between footage shot by different teams — even if they’re covering the same scene. It avoids duplicated slate numbers across units, which can otherwise cause confusion in post when syncing reports, organizing dailies, or editing complex timelines.

2 unit slate clapper board UK slating — **2nd unit slate**

Camera card/roll
Scene number
Slate number beginning with X (sequential per setup)
Take number

All 2nd unit footage follows this logic, whether it's from B-cam or D-cam. If additional units are added, they’re assigned their own letters (e.g., Z1, Z2).

Units Without Script Supervisor

When a unit shoots without a script supervisor present (e.g., pickups, inserts, or splinter units), it uses a letter/number slate series starting with the letter Y (Y1, Y2, Y3, etc.). This slate prefix clearly signals that no script notes were logged for those setups.

Why it matters:
Labeling unsupervised units with a dedicated prefix ensures editorial knows up front that there are no matching reports or detailed continuity logs for these shots. This saves time and confusion in post, especially when identifying footage that might need extra attention during assembly or syncing.

Unsupervised unit slate clapper board UK slating — **Unsupervised unit slate**

Camera card/roll
Scene number
Slate number beginning with Y (sequential per setup)
Take number

The slate increases by one for each new setup as usual.
The main unit script supervisor will still note which camera card was used for slates Y1-Y5, Y6-Y9 etc., providing at least a traceable link to where the scene can be found.

Establishers and general video (GV)

Shots that are intended as establishing footage or general visuals (a.k.a B-roll) are labeled differently to reflect their nature. Instead of a scene number, the slate lists the location (e.g., “SUMMER HOUSE”) and follows the unit’s standard slate series (1, X1, Y1, etc.).

Why it matters:
By replacing the scene number with the filming location, post-production can immediately recognize that the shot is a non-scripted visual meant to support the edit (e.g., cutaways, atmospheric shots). This is especially useful for editors working through hours of unscripted material looking for the right establishing shot or transition moment.