Our Services

Over Shoulder prompting for video

Prompting over the shoulder for dramatic presentations.

While most video or film prompting is geared for getting your talent to speak comfortably INTO the camera, some productions require prompters for actors speaking to each other in some sort of dramatic re-enactment.

By placing a teleprompter monitor 'over the shoulder' of each talent, it's possible to allow the talent to read their lines, while appearing to be speaking to other talent.

We have the gear, and the experience, to help make this happen.


Over Shoulder Prompting - Rates/Options

This prompting system includes:

  • Computerized prompting workstation.
  • Two 15" Monitors mounted on Stands
  • Qualified prompter operator (deliver, setup, and operate)
  • Per 10 hour day = $1000
Please note that:
  • These rates are for NON-LIVE video shoots.
    Live video prompting would fall under our live/stage rates.
    See our page on stage prompting solutions.
  • Our rates are PORTAL to PORTAL from San Francisco
  • There is no half day rate for over shoulder prompting
  • Mileage is charged at the going rate for shoots outside of San Francisco
  • Parking charges will be added to invoice unless other arrangements are made
  • Please familiarize yourself will all of our Terms and Conditions.



A little more detail: How it works.

  • By placing a monitor just upstage (by inches) in the exact eyeline of each talent to the other, it's very difficult for the camera to see that the actors aren't speaking directly to each other, but are instead, reading the lines of the prompter that are just to one side of the other actor's head.

  • A properly placed wide shot will add to the illusion, as will making sure that the talent does NOT glance back and forth between the text and the other talent's eyes. (Darting eyes are easier to notice than those just focused.)

  • The prompter operator's role is crucial to the success of this method, as there are constant adjustments to make sure eye lines are correct as framing and scenes change. Extra time should be alloted to allow for such adjustments with each different setup.

  • This method is especially useful for dramatic 're-enactments' of dialoge and 'legalese' heavy text where the words must be spoken precisely as written. Medical training videos are a good example of where this might come into play.

 


Service Details

Our 15" prompters come with flexible hardware and adapters to mount with just about any camera rig. Whether you're using a full size ENG camera, or an SLR style... we can get your camera mounted together with the prompter.

The advantage of mounting it all together is that if your camera moves - pans/tilts/dollies - then the prompter moves with it. You'll need a strong camera support system to handle the extra 15lbs of the prompter hardware. Also, this option requires a little more time to set up and fine tine.

This is the perfect setup for simple shoots that won't require a lot of camera movement. The prompter and mirror are mounted on a rolling stand, and can be placed directly in front of the camera lens, without having to be mounted WITH the camera.

This rig works with ANY camera and doesn't require fine tuning/balancing the mount so it's quick to set up. Short pans and zooms are fine with this rig, but are limited because the camera must be stationary.

Our 9" ultra-light prompter also comes with flexible hardware and adapters to mount with just about any jib or Steadicam type rig. In almost all cases, we can get your camera mounted together with the prompter.

Since the monitor is small in order to be lightweight, the readable distance for your talent will be reduced. Please consider this when planning your shots. Also, this option requires a little more time to set up and fine tine.

Prompting over the shoulder for dramatic presentations

While most video or film prompting is geared for getting your talent to speak comfortably INTO the camera, some productions require prompters for actors speaking to each other in some sort of dramatic re-enactment.

By placing a teleprompter monitor 'over the shoulder' of each talent, it's possible to allow the talent to read their lines, while appearing to be speaking to other talent.

See a full description of Over shoulder prompting.

What's also been called an "Interitron", our Eye-to-Eye prompting brings direct-into-lens responses from your subject.

What is, essentially, two on-camera prompter rigs configured to frame both the subject of the interview, and the person doing the interview, your footage will show the subject speaking naturally, and comfortably, directly into the camera.

Our experienced operator will help set up the rig so that you can focus on great content in this recently popularized interview style for documentaries.

See a full description of Eye-to-eye prompting.

Tips for Talent




Our Pricing

Here's a quick overview of pricing for our various services. Visit the rate page of each type for full details.

    • STAGE FULL DAY

      $ 1000 day
      • Prompting Workstation
      • Operator - 10 Hrs
      • Backup Workstation
      • Deliver/Setup/Operate
      • Opt. Presidential Paddles
      • VGA/HDMI/Composite Feeds
      • See full Stage Rates
    • UNION STAGE RATE

      $ 400 day
      • Prompting Workstation
      • NO Op - provided thru Local 16
      • Backup Workstation
      • Deliver/Setup/Operate
      • Opt. Presidential Paddles
      • VGA/HDMI/Composite Feeds
      • See full Union Stage Rates
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