Teleprompter Basics - What You Need To Know

In this video by the basic filmmaker we take a look at the Teleprompter – what it is, how it works, why do you need it, and how to best use it.

A Teleprompter is a device that displays a text to an actor or a presenter (or a speaker) on a screen. It can be placed above or below the camera and it helps to stay on point with longer texts.

A Teleprompter can be a great tool especially if you have a long or complex script, however, you do need to make the right preparation. First, you need to write things down (kind of obvious if you are going to use a device which helps you read the text), next you need to prepare – i.e. read everything out loud again, and again and again – until you are 100% sure you nailed it. Make sure the speed of the lines going by is right for you – play with it – try slower of faster and get the speed that you feel comfortable with.

A pro Teleprompter unit is expensive (many hundreds of dollars or more) however you can build one for under $40, or download a software to your smartphone.

As always you can find more helpful photography tips on our Photography tips section here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.