9.5 Teleprompter scripts

Teleprompter scripts are a crucial tool in TV production, enabling on-camera talent to maintain eye contact while delivering precise messaging. They streamline production by reducing memorization needs and minimizing retakes, but require skill to read naturally and avoid sounding robotic.

Proper formatting and writing techniques are essential for effective teleprompter use. This includes using readable fonts, appropriate spacing, and conversational language. Preparing talent, having a skilled operator, and maintaining backup plans are key to successful teleprompter implementation in studio productions.

Benefits of teleprompter scripts

• Enables talent to maintain eye contact with the camera lens which creates a more engaging and personal connection with the audience
• Ensures the delivery of the exact approved messaging without missed points or extraneous rambling
• Reduces the need for memorization allowing the talent to focus on delivery and conveying the appropriate tone and emotions
• Speeds up production by minimizing retakes due to forgotten lines or stumbling over words

Challenges with teleprompter scripts

• Requires the talent to develop the skill of reading naturally while maintaining the illusion of spontaneous speech
• Can lead to a disconnect between the talent and the message if they are just reading words without internalizing the content
• Necessitates additional equipment and personnel (teleprompter operator) which adds complexity and cost to the production
• Presents a technical point of failure that can derail a shoot if the teleprompter malfunctions

Script formatting for teleprompters

Font size and type

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• Use a sans-serif font (Arial, Helvetica) for clearest readability on the teleprompter screen
• Font size should be large enough to read comfortably from the talent's distance (usually 56-72 points)
• Avoid using all caps which can be harder to read quickly
• Apply bold or italic sparingly to emphasize specific words rather than long passages

Line spacing and margins

• Set line spacing to double or 2.5 times the font size to provide visual separation between lines
• Limit lines to 3-4 seconds of spoken words (about 30-45 characters) to keep the talent's head from excessive lateral movement
• Align text left and use ragged right margins to create a consistent left margin that is easy to find as the text scrolls
• Indent the first line of each paragraph by a few spaces to denote a new paragraph without excess vertical spacing

Text color vs background

• Black text on a white background provides the most contrast for readability in most studio lighting situations
• A light gray background can help reduce the harshness of a pure white background while still allowing the text to "pop"
• Certain colors (blue, green) should be avoided for text or background as they can cause issues with chroma key effects

Writing tips for teleprompter scripts

Conversational language

• Write in a natural, conversational style as if you are explaining something to a friend
• Use contractions (it's, we'll, shouldn't) to make the language flow and sound less formal
• Avoid jargon, acronyms, or overly technical terms that can trip up the talent or confuse the audience
• Read the script aloud during the writing process to ensure it sounds natural when spoken

Short sentences and paragraphs

• Keep sentences concise and to the point to reduce the cognitive load on the talent
• Break up long sentences into multiple shorter ones that are easier to read and comprehend quickly
• Limit paragraphs to 2-3 sentences before adding a line break to avoid large blocks of text
• Eliminate extraneous phrases and filler words (very, quite, basically) that don't add to the meaning

Phonetic pronunciation guides

• Include phonetic spellings in parentheses after difficult to pronounce words or names (nuclear = NEW-clee-ur)
• Use uppercase syllables to denote the emphasized syllable (Javier Bardem = HAH-vee-air BAR-dem)
• Separate syllables with hyphens and capitalize the first letter of each syllable for visual distinction
• Apply pronunciation guides consistently throughout the script for any word that might cause the talent to stumble

Notations for pacing and emphasis

• Use ellipses...to indicate a pause or break in the cadence of the sentence
• Apply underlining to words or phrases that need vocal emphasis or a change in inflection
• Insert a double slash // to denote a longer pause between sentences or paragraphs
• Include (PAUSE) as a notation for a longer 2-3 second break when a thought needs a moment to land before continuing

Preparing the talent

Marking up the script

• Review the script with the talent before the shoot to identify and clarify any tricky words or phrasing
• Encourage the talent to make notations on a printed copy of the script to help guide their delivery
• Use highlighters to color code specific words that need emphasis or a shift in tone
• Draw visual symbols like arrows or circles to remind the talent to adjust their pacing or energy level at certain moments

Rehearsing with the teleprompter

• Allow ample time for the talent to rehearse the script on the teleprompter to get comfortable with the cadence and flow
• Start with a slower scroll speed and gradually increase it to find the right balance for the talent's natural reading pace
• Practice starting and stopping the scroll at the appropriate times to match the talent's delivery
• Record rehearsals to playback for the talent so they can self-assess their performance and make adjustments

Avoiding common pitfalls

• Coach the talent to resist the urge to ad-lib or paraphrase and stick to the approved script as written
• Encourage the talent to gesture naturally and avoid locking their hands in one position which can look stiff and unnatural
• Practice deliberate breathing techniques to avoid running out of breath in the middle of long sentences
• Have the talent maintain a conversational volume and avoid slipping into a monotone "reading voice"

Role of the teleprompter operator

Adjusting speed for talent

• Set the initial scroll speed based on the talent's natural reading pace during rehearsals
• Watch the talent's eyes and be prepared to speed up or slow down the scroll as needed to match their rhythm
• Gradually increase the speed during the first few takes as the talent gets more comfortable and familiar with the script
• Check in with the talent between takes to see if they want to adjust the scroll speed faster or slower

Anticipating tricky sections

• Pay attention to any words or sections that the talent stumbled over during rehearsal
• Be prepared to slow down the scroll speed slightly for more complex passages or technical terms
• Look ahead in the script to anticipate any shifts in tone or pacing that might require a scroll speed adjustment
• Communicate with the talent during breaks if there are any recurring issues with certain sections

Coordination with director and crew

• Attend pre-production meetings to understand the director's vision and any special requirements for the script
• Coordinate with the camera operator to ensure the teleprompter is positioned for optimal talent eye-line
• Communicate with the audio department to ensure the talent's microphone is not obscured by the teleprompter
• Be prepared to make quick script changes or edits in coordination with the director and scriptwriter

Teleprompter equipment and setup

Types of teleprompter displays

• LCD monitors mounted on a beam splitter glass that reflects the scrolling text in front of the camera lens
• Tablet-based systems that use a mobile app and a special mirror frame to reflect the text in front of the lens
• Software-only systems that run on a laptop or desktop computer positioned near the camera for the talent to view

Mounting options for cameras

• Free-standing tripod mounts that position the teleprompter glass in front of the camera lens
• Camera-mounted rigs that attach directly to the camera body or lens for a more compact setup
• Robotic pan/tilt head mounts that allow the camera to move while keeping the teleprompter glass in front of the lens
• Rail-based systems that slide the teleprompter glass out of the way for unobstructed shots

Software for creating and running scripts

• Dedicated teleprompter software (AutoCue, PromptSmart) designed specifically for professional studio use
• Web-based teleprompter apps (EasyPrompter, CuePrompter) that allow for remote script editing and operation
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote) adapted for use as a basic teleprompter display
• Mobile apps (Prompster, Teleprompter Premium) that turn a tablet or smartphone into a portable teleprompter

Backup plans for teleprompter failure

Printed script copies

• Always have multiple printed copies of the script on hand in case of a total teleprompter failure
• Use a large, easy-to-read font size (18 point) and include the same notations used in the teleprompter script
• Assign a production assistant or script supervisor to "slap" the script under the camera lens if the teleprompter fails
• Provide a copy of the script to the director or producer so they can cue the talent on missed lines

Memorization techniques

• Encourage the talent to review and internalize the script before the shoot date to reduce total reliance on the teleprompter
• Break the script down into smaller, memorizable chunks or passages that the talent can easily remember
• Use mnemonic devices or visualization techniques to help the talent recall key phrases or transitions
• Have the talent practice delivering the script without the teleprompter to build their confidence and comfort level

Improvisation strategies

• Coach the talent on how to smoothly paraphrase or ad-lib if they lose their place in the script
• Provide the talent with a list of key points or themes to hit if they have to stray from the scripted words
• Encourage the talent to take a pause, breath, and collect their thoughts if they get lost rather than panicking
• Be prepared to do multiple takes or have the talent record a "wild" line in post if necessary to patch any flubs