Teleprompters
Unsung Heroes of Video Production
Welcome back to Diary of a San Diego Video Production Crew, where we take you behind the scenes of the magic (and sometimes mayhem) of video production! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most essential yet often overlooked tools in the business: the teleprompter.
Whether you’re shooting a corporate video, a documentary interview, or a high-profile event, a teleprompter can be the difference between a nervous, halting delivery and a polished, professional performance. But not all teleprompters are created equal! Let’s dive into why teleprompters are so important — and explore the different kinds you should know about.
Why Teleprompters Are Essential
Imagine you’re a CEO delivering a crucial message to investors or a public figure addressing a live audience. You’ve got key points to hit, but you also want to sound natural — not like you’re reading. Enter the teleprompter.
Top Benefits of Using a Teleprompter:
- ✅ Confidence & Clarity: Helps speakers stay on track without memorizing long scripts.
- ✅ Time Efficiency: Reduces the number of takes — critical for tight production timelines.
- ✅ Consistent Messaging: Ensures key messages are delivered precisely as intended, especially important for corporate communications and high-stakes announcements.
- ✅ Professional Appearance: Eliminates awkward pauses and filler words, making on-camera talent look polished and authoritative.
Now, let’s explore the main types of teleprompters we use regularly on set, and when to use each one.
1. Presidential Teleprompters: For Live Events and Speeches
Also Known As: Speech Teleprompters or Podium Teleprompters
If you’ve ever watched a political speech or a high-profile awards ceremony, you’ve probably seen Presidential Teleprompters — though you might not realize it. These are the transparent glass panels on slim stands, positioned at eye level on either side of a podium. They reflect scrolling text from monitors placed at the speaker’s feet.
When to Use:
- Conferences, keynotes, commencements, and live events.
- For speakers who need to maintain natural eye contact with a large audience while delivering a prepared speech.
Why We Love Them:
- Sleek and discreet, allowing speakers to appear engaged and confident.
- Dual panels enable speakers to scan the room naturally, panning their gaze from left to right.
Alternative: Downstage Confidence Monitors
Sometimes clients prefer downstage monitors — large screens placed at the foot of the stage, facing the speaker — instead of glass paddles. These “confidence monitors” display scrolling text or bullet points and eliminate the need for visible glass panels, creating a cleaner stage design.
Why Choose Downstage Monitors:
- Less visually intrusive, ideal for minimalist stage setups.
- Suitable for speakers who prefer occasional downward glances rather than side-to-side motion.
- Can display slides, notes, or live cues, giving flexibility beyond scripted text.
Quick Guide: Which Should You Use?
| Your Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Natural audience engagement at eye level | Presidential glass paddles |
| Clean stage design with occasional glances | Downstage confidence monitors |
2. In-Studio Teleprompters: For Broadcast, Interviews, and Corporate Videos
Also Known As: Camera-Mounted Teleprompters
These teleprompters are mounted directly in front of the camera lens, reflecting text on an angled piece of special glass. The camera shoots through the glass, so the audience never sees the text — only the speaker’s eyes looking directly at them.
When to Use:
- Corporate messaging, explainer videos, TV shows, news broadcasts.
- When the speaker needs to look straight into the camera for a personal, direct connection.
Why We Love Them:
- Keeps delivery smooth, personable, and engaging.
- Text scrolls at a comfortable speed, customized to the speaker’s pace.
- Adjustable font size for easy readability, even for nervous talent or first-timers.
These teleprompters are a game-changer for making even non-professional speakers look like seasoned pros.
3. Interrotron: For Natural Conversations and Documentary-Style Interviews
Also Known As: The Director’s Secret Weapon
If you’ve ever watched a documentary interview where the subject speaks directly to you, they may have used an Interrotron. This setup uses two teleprompters facing each other — one for the interviewer and one for the subject.
How It Works:
- The interviewee looks into a teleprompter screen, but instead of text, they see the face of the interviewer or director, enabling natural conversation.
- The interviewer sees the subject on their screen, creating a genuine, face-to-face interaction even though the camera is in play.
When to Use:
- Emotional interviews, testimonials, documentaries.
- With nervous or inexperienced subjects who perform better interacting with a human face than a camera lens.
Why We Love Them:
- Authentic, intimate eye contact with viewers.
- Captures natural emotions, reactions, and storytelling — essential for compelling narratives.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Teleprompter for Your Project
Whether you’re producing a corporate address, a live event, or an intimate interview, the right teleprompter ensures your message comes through clearly, confidently, and professionally.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you choose:
| Teleprompter Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Glass Paddles | Speeches, live events | Natural, eye-level delivery |
| Downstage Confidence Monitors | Live events, clean stage setups | Discreet, flexible glance-friendly option |
| In-Studio Camera-Mounted | Corporate videos, TV, training, direct addresses | Direct, polished on-camera presence |
| Interrotron | Interviews, testimonials, documentaries | Natural conversations and emotional depth |
So, the next time you see a flawless speech or a heartfelt interview, remember — a great teleprompter setup is quietly working its magic behind the scenes.
If you’re in San Diego and need professional video production services — yes, with all the teleprompters you’ll ever need! — reach out to us at Crystal Pyramid Productions. We’ll help make your next shoot smooth, professional, and stress-free.
