What
is a teleprompter?
A teleprompter is equipment used to display smooth scrolling text
(similar to credits at the end of a movie). The text is read by someone who is in
front of either a camera or live audience. As the text is read, a teleprompter
operator uses a computer to control the speed of the scrolling text to closely follow the
speech pattern and delivery of the speaker. There are some common applications
of teleprompting that you may already be familiar with:
- News Anchor
Ever wonder how a news anchor can get the whole story right, even if it's a long and
complicated one? Well, thanks to a teleprompter they can read the story, word for
word, while looking directly into the camera. The secret is reflective glass that is
positioned to reflect a video monitor with the scrolling text on it. The camera's
lens is placed directly behind the reflective glass. Like magic... the scrolling
text is clearly seen by the news anchor in front of the reflective glass, but is
completely invisible to the camera behind the glass. The same method can be used by
virtually anyone on video or TV who talks directly to the camera.
For descriptions of equipment packages for TV/Video/Film production click: Services
For TV/Video/Film Production.
- "State
of the Union" Address
Did you ever notice that the President can deliver his yearly "State of the
Union" address, which can last over an hour in length, without looking at notes or
index cards? And how about other politicians, business leaders and lecturers who
deliver lengthy speeches without ever once looking away from their audience? Next
time, take note of the two panes of glass that are positioned at the corners of their
podiums. The glass reflect monitors that have the entire speech scrolling on
them. While the text is seen clearly from behind the podium, it is completely
invisible to the audience in front. These "Presidential Prompters" can be
used by anyone who speaks to a live audience from behind a podium.
For descriptions of equipment packages for Podium & Public Speaking click: Services
for Podium & Public Speaking.
What
are the benefits of using a teleprompter?
Teleprompting is used to enhance performances in front of a camera or live
audience.
Benefits include:
- Script does not need to be memorized to be delivered with
confidence, polish and accuracy.
- Eliminates need for notes, cue cards and index cards.
- Allows speaker to focus more on style and delivery rather than
memorizing the content of a speech or presentation.
- Enables speaker to maintain eye contact with the audience.
- Reduces video production costs by making it easier to get
longer and more accurate "takes."
- Makes complicated speeches consistent time after time.
Should I
use a camera mounted prompter or a freestanding prompter?
Whether you should choose a camera mounted prompter or freestanding
prompter depends on if the camera will move. A freestanding prompter is
independently supported in front of the camera and not attached to the camera and tripod.
So, if you pan, tilt or dolly the camera to follow your subject (i.e. walk and
talk), a freestanding prompter will not stay in front of the lens. When a prompter
is camera mounted, it stays in front of the lens wherever the camera moves.
Which
fluid head should I use with a camera mounted prompter?
Using a camera mounted prompter means mounting it to your fluid head. Load
capacities must be considered along with the weight of the camera and accessories. For
more information on fluid heads, load capacities, and camera mounted prompters... click here.
© 2000 - 2009
Howcomm,Inc.
