EMMA THOMAS T H E S PE C I A L AWA R D
The role of script supervisor is an integral part of any television or film production, but itÔs also a craft that is seldom recognised with awards. Emma Thomas is widely regarded as one of the best in her field and has made an incredible impact on British television and film across her 30-plus years in the business, not least for her mentoring of other women in the industry. This evening, both her work and her craft are recognised with a Special Award, one of BAFTAÔs highest honours.
Words by Rachel Ward Portraits by Jordan Anderson/BAFTA Images courtesy of Carlton Cassius (Soon Gone: A Windrush Scandal) and Leah Revivo/Four Weddings Productions (Four Weddings and a Funeral)
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t was in the studio audience of Terence Frisby’s 1976 sitcom Lucky Feller where a young Emma Thomas would get her first taste of the television industry. Regarded as a dry run for Only Fools and Horses, the early David Jason comedy about two brothers in south-east London, piqued an interest and perseverance that would serve her well for a career spanning more than 30 years. “I just knew I had to find a way to get into all this using what skills I had,” says Thomas, recalling her wide-eyed excitement at experiencing the intricacies of making a television show. Inspired further by her sister who was “having more fun” at drama school, she applied to college four times, eventually training at Central TV in Nottingham on its Script Supervisor course, specialising in drama production. One of her first jobs was at Elstree Studios on Jim Henson’s The Muppet Show, where she would meet Hollywood stars including James Coburn and Gene Kelly. “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven… although I was essentially working for a bunch of puppets!” says Thomas, with a giggle.
ÒI JUST KNEW I HAD TO FIND A WAY TO GET INTO ALL THIS USING WHAT SKILLS I HAD.Ó
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