✨If I had been the Script Coordinator on The Tattooist of Auschwitz✨

As a script coordinator with a passion for untangling complex narratives, I sometimes find myself imagining what it would be like to contribute to certain projects. Last week, I finished watching "The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and starting thinking…What kind of script report would I have created if I had been the script coordinator?

A report I would have provided for this show is a timeline tracker. The show consists of Lale’s story from two different timelines; his love story with Gita during WWII and his present day retelling of the story to Heather Morris. This report would involve a breakdown of the script, scene by scene, to be used in conjunction with the shooting schedule so that there would be a quick, concise method to place each individual scene during filming within the main, overall story. In this report, I would examine each scene and provide the following information:

1. Where is this placed in Lale’s retelling of his story to Heather?

2. Where does this come in young Lale’s narrative?

Let’s take a deeper look at why I think this script report could have been used on this production.

🎬  Filming Out of Sequence

In the world of film and TV production, scenes are rarely shot in chronological order. This specialised report would serve as a vital tool for the entire production team, allowing everyone to have a precise grasp of the narrative flow. It ensures that each scene is filmed with an acute awareness of what has come before and what follows, maintaining narrative integrity and emotional continuity.

🎬  Lale’s Narrative

Lale's narrative arc is central to the emotional core of "The Tattooist of Auschwitz," and his relationship with the writer, Heather Morris, adds an additional layer of complexity to the story. We are simultaneously watching his story of Auschwitz unfold as we follow his deepening relationship with Heather and the harrowing consequences that this retelling has on his mental and emotional state. Not only does the actor have to place himself in the WW2 storyline, but he must also be constantly aware of how this correlates with his current narrative.

I found myself watching Harvey Keitel and imagined the processes in place to allow him to give such an unforgettable performance. By meticulously mapping out every interaction and significant moment, this report would provide a clear understanding of Lale's emotional journey while tracking his narrative.

Ultimately, the goal with a report like this is to enhance the storytelling process, making it more efficient and ensuring that the final product resonates with the audience. As someone who thrives on the complexity of intricate storylines, I find great satisfaction in providing these detailed script reports. 

Next time, I’m going to look at the script reports I would have created if I were the script coordinator on my favourite film, Titanic!