On a multicam show, who has access to the full script?

On a scripted multicam show that is shot live, such as a sitcom, which members of the production typically have access to the full script?

Obviously the writers do, since they created the script. And the showrunner and director need a copy, and I suppose the production designer also. I imagine all the regular principal actors get a copy. But who else gets a full copy?

For instance:

Do guest stars get the entire script, or only an excerpt containing their scenes? What about actors in one-off minor roles?
Do the camera operators get the whole script, since they need to know which actors to shoot when doing their lines? Or do the camera operators simply follow the camera blocking instructions of the director?
Do the set and costume designers and prop masters see the script, since it will necessarily contain some explicit or implicit information about the scenery and setting of each scene, or do they just follow the instructions of the production designer?

Best Answer

Everybody except the 'extras' [supporting artists].
^{See my rant at the top of https://movies.stackexchange.com/a/111538/25773 for why this is.}

The script is a part of the call sheet, which everyone [except SAs] gets.

The call sheet is 'today's bible'. It contains all details of today's shoot - the entire production list, from director right down to runners, carpenters, electricians, caterers and transport; with their contact details, email and phone numbers. Who is needed at what time, when they need to be in costume or makeup if they are a performer - transport details to get them there.

It has details of which scenes will be shot, in what order, at what times [assuming they can keep to schedule]. Which performers are needed and when for these scenes. How many SAs and what characters.

Almost as an afterthought, the scripts for each scene are tagged to the back of this, so everybody gets one.

Most of the crew needs these details to do their job. Props need to know which sets to finish dressing - fresh flowers, for instance can't be set up permanently.

Costume, hair and makeup need to know who they're expecting, what they need for each scene, anything that may need extra preparation, wigs or prosthetics.

3rd ADs [Assistant Directors] need to be able to not only get their people to set, but know where they should be at any given moment in the scene - they scribble this on the script so they can get their cues to match on each take.

Camera department will likely get a more detailed set of instructions describing how each shot is intended to look - this can take the form of a story-board, in diagrams, though sometimes just text descriptions, depending on the complexity of the shoot.
There's also a technical call sheet, which will contain details of every item of equipment needed for the day, from the obvious 'how many cameras' right down to which lenses, filters, batteries, or light stands.

Here's an example 1st page from a small shoot. This is 12 pages long. I've anonymised & shrunk, so there are no real details to be seen any more. You can just make out the first two story-board diagrams at the bottom left. the script itself is the last few pages - no point me anonymising that as it would all then just be a blur ;)

As mentioned in other QAs recently, leaks don't come from inside the industry, they come from outside - so everybody on the inside gets to see all of what's going on. This may be for just one day if you only work one day on a production. Few people are going to be handed the entire script to a major movie all in one go, but if you work it all eventually you will have an entire script.

After comments
I don't see that there's any distinction between a 'live' sit-com and any other production, single or multi-cam. Everybody involved needs to know what's going on.

Pictures about "On a multicam show, who has access to the full script?"

On a multicam show, who has access to the full script? - Man with small modern device for storage and transfer information

On a multicam show, who has access to the full script? - Crop faceless lady in classy blazer showing fingers sign to camera while sitting in armchair and practicing nonverbal communication

On a multicam show, who has access to the full script? - From above of crop anonymous male in jeans demonstrating flash drive while sitting near laptop

How many acts are in a multicam?

Over time, the commercial breaks became act breaks. Multi-cam sitcoms have more or less kept the same two-act format over the years. The characters get into trouble in the first act and struggle to get out of it in the second act.

How do you write a multi-cam?

Multi-Cam Script Format

All of the action and scene descriptions are in CAPS.

CHARACTER NAMES are underlined the first time that they appear.

Character entrances and exits are often underlined, and there are more stage directions as well, much like a play \u2014 i.e. \u201cMR. ...

SOUNDS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS are underlined.

Why so many sitcoms look the same

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Sora Shimazaki, Anete Lusina, SHVETS production, Anete Lusina