Lights, camera, teleprompter! If you’re in the professional video industry, you know that opinions on teleprompters can vary. But if you’ve decided to use one, we’ve got you covered with seven important tips to make sure your shoot goes off without a hitch.
First things first, set your spot well before your subject is ready to go. Use a light stand or a similar sized stand-in to help you set everything up. Carefully mark your spot so you can set everything from focus to lighting to audio.
Depending on your teleprompter and camera choices, you may need separate tripods for each or a very sturdy one for both. Teleprompters can range from lightweight iPad holders to heavy-duty contraptions, so make sure your tripod is well within its weight threshold.
When you have your real subject in place and your camera set up, you may need to adjust the height of your teleprompter to give your subject a good sightline. Ideally, you’d like it perfectly parallel with your subject’s eyes so that they are looking directly into the camera.
When shooting a set teleprompter shot, you have the luxury of maximizing your audio recording capabilities without tricky movements. If you’re using a boom mic, you can set it overhead (either with a person or a light stand) to be as physically close to the subject as your shot will allow you. As you film, you can monitor audio either in-camera or through your external device.
From the beginning, get your subject comfortable with the teleprompter and how it scrolls. Establish a pace for your subject to follow, scrolling to match their comfort level and adjusting as needed.
One problem many experience when working with teleprompters is a tendency to get “shifty-eyed” when they read the words across the screen. Encourage your subject to read and take in full lines at a time, rather than reading each word as it appears. Give them a chance to read the whole paragraph, understand the message, and use the teleprompter more as a safety net.
Finally, speaking on camera can be nerve-racking for some people. A teleprompter can be a good way to put a subject at ease, but they can still get nervous. Try to keep them calm, give them positive reinforcement, and keep a package of sweat wipes handy.
Looking for more video production tips? Check out our collection of articles on teleprompters, stabilizers, location release forms, microphones, and lighting setups. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to rock your next teleprompter shoot!
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