You’ve decided to dive into the world of video marketing, feature films, or web series production. Adding video marketing into your marketing strategy is guaranteed to boost your company’s success. Like most people starting out in video production, you’re probably wondering what teleprompters are and how they can help you during your next film or video shoot.
When you go to plan your next video production, you should certainly be considering every piece of equipment you will need. If you’re looking to rent a studio, you’ll want to know if the studio has all of the right equipment available. From lighting to proper space, you’re going to want to make sure the studio you rent is the right studio for your production.
Included in that list of equipment might be a teleprompter. In this blog post, we’ll cover what a teleprompter is, how you can use it during your next video production, and some of the best tips to using one to your greatest advantage!
What is a Teleprompter?
A teleprompter is an electronic device that displays text on a screen, typically in front of a camera. The text is usually scrolled automatically, and the speed can be controlled by the user. Teleprompters are commonly used in television and film production, as they allow the presenter to read their lines while maintaining eye contact with the camera.
They’re most commonly used in Newsrooms for News Anchors who are reading the news, but they can be used in other types of production as well. They’re also heavily used on comedy sketch shows such as Saturday Night Live to keep the comedians on track with their lines, in case they haven’t been able to practice the skit or get side tracked by the other actors during the show. Teleprompters are widely used in reality shows, too, to keep interviews and talking heads on track for the show at hand.
How to Use a Teleprompter
Now that you know what a teleprompter is, let’s talk about how you can use one during your next video production!
If you’re working on a web series, commercial, or other kinds of projects where you’ll be delivering lines, a teleprompter can be a great way to help you deliver your lines with confidence and ease. Just load your script into the teleprompter software, set the scroll speed, and position the teleprompter so that it’s in front of your camera. Then, simply read your lines off of the screen!
One of the great things about using a teleprompter is that you can focus on your performance, rather than trying to memorize your lines. This can help you feel more confident and relaxed on camera, which will ultimately result in a better performance.
Another benefit of using a teleprompter is that you can make last-minute changes to your script without having to worry about memorizing new lines. This can be a lifesaver if you’re working with a client who is constantly making changes to the copy!
Tips for Using a Teleprompter to your Best Advantage
Now that you know what a teleprompter is and how to use one, let’s talk about some tips for using a teleprompter during your next video production.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using a teleprompter is that you should always practice with it before your shoot. This will help you get comfortable with reading from the teleprompter and ensure that you know how to use the teleprompter software.
Perhaps one of the most important tips is to make sure the text is correct before you begin filming, especially if you’re planning to use the teleprompter for a live event. Nothing is worse than starting to film and realizing that the teleprompter is displaying the wrong text!
Another great tip is to position the teleprompter so that it’s at a comfortable reading distance for you. If you have to strain your eyes to read the text, it will be difficult to deliver your lines with confidence. It’s also important to make sure that the text on the teleprompter is large enough for you to see easily. You don’t want to be squinting at the screen, as this will affect your performance.
Finally, keep in mind that you don’t have to stare at the teleprompter the entire time. If you need to take a break from reading the teleprompter, simply look off-screen for a moment, or if you’re working with other people on camera, interact with them and make eye contact with them. This will help you and anyone else in the shot appear more natural on camera.
How can I get my hands on a Teleprompter for my next Production?
If you’re not creating video productions that require a teleprompter regularly, you probably don’t want to spend the money on purchasing the machine outright, even though that’s totally a valid option. Making sure that your entire budget is secure and that you’re allowing for some wiggle room in case of emergencies is important, so you want to make sure you’re saving money when it’s appropriate. This is when equipment rentals will come in handy! Renting a teleprompter gives you the ability to use a teleprompter whenever you need it without spending the money or needing the space to store the machine when it’s not in use.
There are a few things to keep in mind when renting a teleprompter, such as the type of teleprompter you need (floor standing or handheld), the size of the teleprompter monitor, and whether you need an operator. Knowing who will be using the prompter, what they need typed onto the screen, and if you have anyone who knows how to operate it before you start researching rentals will help guide you in your search from the beginning.
If you’re not sure which type of teleprompter is right for your production, our team of experts can help you decide! We carry a wide range of teleprompters to fit your needs and budget.
C&I Studios offers equipment rentals of all kinds for video productions, including studio space, lighting, and sound equipment, on top of the teleprompters. Our rentals offer you the flexibility of having access to the equipment and working spaces you need, without having to own them. You can rent our equipment as often as you need to! We even have crews that are budget-friendly that can help you work with any and all equipment you need to use. Learn how you can find the right budget-friendly crew here.
To learn more about our equipment rental offerings or to book a rental, contact us today! We’ll be happy to answer your questions to help you get started. If you need help knowing what questions to ask us, especially if you’re looking to rent studio space from us, we have a great blog post for you here.
What are you waiting for?
If you’re considering using a teleprompter during your next film production, this is your sign to do it! Having a sense of security that you’ll be able to get the right shot in one take can make a world of a difference in the final product.
There are teleprompters available for purchase, but we would recommend renting one instead to save some money. If you’re not sure which type of teleprompter is right for you, our team at C&I Studios can help! Give us a shout and we’ll be able to answer all of your questions about teleprompters and make sure you’re getting the right equipment for your next production.
Renting a teleprompter for your next video production is a great way to ensure that you have a successful shoot. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your teleprompter and deliver great performances on camera!