Teleprompters and Teleprompter Software
Teleprompters are one of the main pieces of equipment that I am constantly asked about. More so than “what lens do you use for such-and-such shot?” or “what kind of lighting do you have?”
It’s always “do you have a teleprompter?”
I’ve been relying on teleprompters for years to help me get through a script, whether a single paragraph, or a two-minute monologue, the teleprompter is my secret weapon to looking like I know what I’m doing on camera. And I’ve used it as a secret weapon for several of my clients.
There have been a few different teleprompters that I’ve used throughout the years and I’ve finally found a solution that works like a charm for OMG. This set-up, however, requires someone to run the teleprompter and follow along with the speaker on camera. That type of set-up doesn’t work though when you’re the one in front of the camera while also running the teleprompter. Not everyone gets a Steph to run a teleprompter and coach them through their video shoot. …unless you want to pay me. ;)
I’ve found great success with the ikan PT-ELITE-Pro Teleprompter (I bought mine with a rolling hard case for travel). It mounts to a light stand, which I have a slew of extra ones here at the studio, or a separate tripod. The beauty of this teleprompter is that it works with a tablet, so I just pull out my iPad, load the script, and we’re ready to shoot!
The trick to teleprompters isn’t the teleprompter itself, it’s the software. I like to use TeleprompterPAD, which is available in your app store. This software can be run with the remote control that is included with your teleprompter.
If you’re interested in software that follows along with your voice, rather than controlling it with a bluetooth remote control, PromptSmart has worked for me. The thing about this type of software and app, however, is that you have to follow the script exactly as written and say every word that’s on the screen. So, if you are more of a bulleted-list type of speaker, or you like to go off-script, this option won’t work for you. I’ve tried this with several different clients and they have always preferred the Steph runs it option.
If you’re looking for a smaller option, using your smartphone rather than an iPad, I have used the Parrot Pro Teleprompter Kit. I no longer use this product, since both my clients and I prefer larger screens, but this is a great little kit that you can use with your smartphone. It’s portable and fits on a number of different lenses with its individual mounting rings.
Now for teleprompter software that you can use on your smartphone while recording? I have no experience with that, but the guy in this video does! And he’s got great suggestions. These are good options for people who want to use their phone to both record video AND read a script at the same time.
So, what’s the Steph runs it option? It took me multiple sessions of trial-and-error and finding the right combination that could work in my studio. Like I said, the teleprompter is the most asked about piece of equipment that I own, because with everyone’s busy lives, no one has time to memorize a script!
My set-up includes two teleprompters, so if people want to speak to two different cameras throughout their shoot, they can! We’ve also used this set-up when we’ve had two people on screen who are in dialog with each other. Each person on camera has the opportunity to follow along with the script using separate teleprompters.
The software I’ve found for this type of set-up is through PromptDog, a program that allows me to control the teleprompter from a laptop across the room. I follow along with the speakers and manually shift the screen as we progress through the script. In order for the software to show up on my laptop, my iPad which is on one teleprompter, and a monitor connected through HDMI on another teleprompter, I use duet, which is a great way to connect external monitors and tablets through WiFi.
This set-up has been a life-saver for multiple shoots, both with one person on camera and two people on camera. Plus, you get the added benefit of me following along and providing encouragement and coaching as we progress through your script together to produce a video worth sharing.