Skip to main content

Teleprompter Tips and Tricks (1.0)

  • Updated

Best practices for using the teleprompter most effectively.

Text Formatting

The best way to transfer formatting is to use Google Docs. It pastes clean text so you can easily edit within OpenReel. We recommend formatting and editing within OpenReel and not within an outside application because the formatting will likely not carry over in a clean way.

 

How to Separate and Format the Script Text

4-5 words per line at 30 or 36+ font size

  • Use this method if the camera lens is on the right or left side of the recording subject
  • You will need to justify the text to the same side as the camera

1-2 sentences at 36 or 48 font size

  • Use this method when the camera lens is on the left side of the recording subject and 5+ feet away from the phone
  • Eyes will naturally be directed to the left hand side of the phone when reading creating a more natural eye line

Line Break in the beginning of the script

  • This helps the recording subject time when they need to start
  • The subject will start reading when the text moves, so this makes it more consistent and easier when adjusting speed
  • Tell the recording subject to start reading when the words actually start scrolling. (There is typically a 10-15 second delay.)

 

 

Achieve a Better Eyeline

If you do not want to use the large font method, reducing the number of words per line and therefore minimizing the amount eye movement, you can manually format the script with a smaller font size to better position the text on the Subject's screen.

For example, if the Subject’s camera is on the left side of their phone, you may want to align the text to the left so the Subject’s eyes are closer to the camera while reading. You can do so in the Teleprompter editor with the alignment icon, pictured below.

To achieve the best possible eye line from your subject in footage, take note of which side of their screen the camera is on and align the text to the same side.

 

 

 

 

Setting up the Phone

Use a Tripod for a High Angle Shoot

  • The top horizontal grid line should be eye level
  • Tilting the camera forward a little bit can help with the Subject's eye line. A higher angle shot with the phone tilting down a bit will help minimize looking off camera.

Position the Camera to the Right

Suggested Script Format: 4-5 words per line at 48+ font size.

  • Justify the text to the right
  • The Subject should stand 5+ feet away from the phone

Position the Camera to the Left

Suggest Script Format: 1-2 sentences at 36 or 48 font size

  • Justify the text to the left
  • The Subject should stand 5+ feet away from the phone
 

Related articles

Comments

0 comments

Article is closed for comments.