If you have questions about teleprompters and their use please review the frequently asked questions below to see if there is an answer for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you don't find your answer below or need additional information.
Q: How do I know if I need to use a teleprompter?
This question doesn't have a definitive answer, but in general if the length of the script or presentation is such that the talent or presenter won't be able to memorize it then having a teleprompter is a good idea. Also, use may depend on the skills of the speaker as well -- if there is any question it is good to have a teleprompter available. Many times a teleprompter is used if there are specific facts, data or numbers that have to be stated accurately regardless of length of the presentation. We are often hired and placed on stand-by on video shoots in case the presenter is unable to deliver the script well without it, then we swing into action. Likewise, we find ourselves at conferences for the same reason -- for the eventuality that a presenter realizes that their presentation is lengthy enough to require one.
Q: What kind of teleprompter should I rent?
For video shoots our camera mounts, mini-camera mount and floor stands are what you would use. We do work on many video shoots where multiple camera-mounts are used, and sometimes combinations of camera-mounts and floor stands are used depending on circumstances. Camera mounts are used when you want the talent to directly address the camera/viewer. Floor stands are for interview style situations where the talent is looking off-camera.
For conferences the executive speech prompter and/or floor monitors are what are used. Sometimes it is clear what equipment a speaker needs, other times they may not have a preference. We often operate on shows with both because some speakers prefer to roam the stage (floor monitors) while others prefer to stand behind a podium (executive speech prompter).
The Stroll & Scroll is a more specialized teleprompter that can be used on video shoots where both the camera and talent are moving and a dolly won't be used. Common uses in our experience are the talent walking down a sidewalk or other area with brief scripts. This prompter is particularly useful if there are multiple setups in several locations throughout the day at which both the camera and talent will be mobile.
Q: Can I rent just the teleprompter equipment?
No. We are a turnkey provider of teleprompter, so all of our rentals include both gear and an operator.
Q: How do I get a script to you?
We can take Word, Rich Text Format or text only files. Clients often email them to us in advance of the actual video shoot or event, but we can accept them when we are setting up too. Since scripts often change don't worry if you have a newer version when we arrive.
Q: What if I need to make changes to the script on-set or behind the stage?
This happens all the time and can be done very easily. We can change whatever is necessary, just keep in mind that the more changes you have the longer it will take to make them so keep the schedule in mind. Changes can be given to us verbally, on hard-copy or we can accept a new electronic file. If a new electronic file is given it may take us some time to 'clean-up' the file so that it is easier to read on the prompter.
Q: What if I have more than one script?
We work with multiple scripts all the time. Sometimes, especially on video shoots, there will be different scripts for the same talent to take advantage of their availability. We will load the scripts as necessary in this type of circumstance.
On conferences where there are often many presenters, we will keep them separate for rehearsals, which makes changes easier, but will link the files together into one file for the actual show. If there are presenters in the show that aren't using the teleprompter we will "black out" the teleprompter screens for them.
Q: How do you handle presenters who only use bullet points, or ones that may ad lib?
For presenters who use bullet points we cannot emphasize enough how important a rehearsal is so that both the teleprompter operator and the presenter can get comfortable with one another. With bullet points we space them out so that there are usually never more than two on the screen and we advance each bullet as the subject is read by the presenter.
Ad libbing is fine as long as the presenter understands that the teleprompter will stop until they return to and continue with the words on the screen.
Q: Is any special equipment required on our video shoot for us to use a teleprompter?
No, we have designed our camera-mount packages so that we can accommodate most cameras and tripods. Our largest camera-mount weighs 15 pounds so you don't have to rent a super heavy-duty tripod to handle it. If you are using a full-size camera the total weight of the two together will be in the 30-40 pound range. If you have a mini-DV, P2 camera or DSLR with a lightweight tripod we have two options: the mini-camera mount or we can mount one of our standard camera-mounts on a floor stand and place it in front of your camera/tripod.
Q: What if I want to use a teleprompter on a jib or dolly?
We regularly mount our full-size camera mounts on jibs with no problems -- just keep in mind that you will need to bring additional counter-weights to balance it over what you normally use for just a camera on the front.
We also mount on dollies all the time.
Q: What if I don't see the kind of teleprompter equipment I need on your web site?
This is most often larger floor monitors and we can rent them. Otherwise feel free to ask.
Q: Do your teleprompters work outdoors?
Yes, we have done all kinds of teleprompter outside. Please let us know in advance that it will be outside -- because of temperature concerns and/or because there may be no availability of electricity, or for a wide variety of other circumstances.
Camera-mount teleprompters outside are useful but keep in mind that the distance between the prompter and talent needs to be in the 8 feet or less range (a little more if using the brighter mini-camera mount). Keep in mind that the sun is your ally and your enemy. The brighter it is outdoors the harder it will be to see the words on the teleprompter because the area around the prompter will be bright while the prompter itself will be dark -- the eye's iris does not like this much contrast and will close down making it harder to see the words. Any opportunities to darken the area around the teleprompter with flags, etc. will help. If no electricity is available we can supply batteries to power our equipment.
Executive speech prompter outdoors is also possible. We have extra-tall baffles to keep the sun off the monitors and other tools to make it much more feasible. The majority of events during our work on the Obama for America campaign were outdoors.
Extreme cold or heat can cause issues with equipment so we will take additional measures to try and ensure that our equipment works. Our coldest and hottest events so far were 18 degrees and 100 degrees -- both during the Obama campaign.
Q: How does teleprompter in a foreign language work?
We have teleprompted in foreign languages many, many times. Understand that the teleprompter operator does not need to be, nor is it likely that they will be, fluent in the language they are teleprompting. There are two essential elements to ensuring that it works: 1) that a sample of the foreign language be sent to us in advance (especially if it is a language that uses symbols like Mandarin, etc.) so that we can test it and make sure it imports properly, and 2) that a translator be on site during the event or video shoot so that there is someone who can help the teleprompter operator properly adjust the speed as the talent reads. The translator is also helpful if any changes to the script need to be made. Changes would be made using the characters on a standard English keyboard unless it is possible to copy/paste them from somewhere else in the script.
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If you need additional information please contact Sean Graham-White at 773-402-0105 or
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