Gear & Software

DON'T BRING A KNIFE TO A GUNFIGHT! (The same can be said about teleprompting.) We've heard many nightmare stories about inferior teleprompters not working properly on jobs... Or trying to hold a laptop under the lens or paper beside the camera lens hoping it will look ok. Unfortunately it doesn't. TorontoTeleprompt uses professional teleprompter equipment, because the gear just has to work! Our loyal clients know that with just one call, their prompting needs are handled professionally and reliably. Scroll down for more info on gear and software... Or click here to see actual shots of gear in action!
DOP Kevin has the 15" display on a dolly. www.kevincwong.com
DOP Nigel with the 15" in the TSN Studios. www.nigelakam.com

Hardware Highlights: 15" High-Bright & *NEW* 17" High-Bright Prompters

  • Designed for outdoor or studio shoots.

  • High-brightness backlight ensures that text is always clear and legible, even in sunlight!

  • Over 1000 NITS brightness (regular lcds are 300 NITS)

  • Can accommodate small or large format cameras

  • Robust, professional, versatile hardware

  • Can mount with camera on tripod or be 'freestanding' on own stand in front of lens

  • Readable up to 25 feet away!
15" High-Bright System
*NEW* 17" High-Bright System

Hardware Highlights: 10.4" LCD & 12" High-Bright Prompter

  • Smaller displays help limit eye movement for when talent is closer to camera

  • 10.4" lcd is lighter weight for smaller tripods

  • 10.4" can easily convert to "freestanding" display

  • 12" high-bright is 1000 NITS! (Regular lcds are 300 NITS)

  • 12" high-bright has 15mm rod attachment and "tab grabber" tablet option available

  • Both 10.4" & 12" can accommodate small or large format cameras

  • Both readable up to 12 feet away
10.4" LCD System
12" High-Bright System

Hardware Highlights: Freestanding Prompters

Most displays easily convert to freestanding teleprompters. This makes the setup even more versatile! Reasons for "going freestanding" can include:
  • Tripod not sturdy enough to handle extra prompter weight

  • Locked off shot, so no need to mount on the tripod head

  • Script too long to memorize, so we can "fake the eyelines" with lcd monitors over opposite shoulders

  • Can "fake an interview" and put the prompter with scrolling interview answers beside the camera
These pictures show 2 different types of freestanding teleprompters; one with glass and one without. Your shoot specifics will determine which prompter setup to use.
Over-Shoulder Freestanding LCD for Actors
Beside-Camera Interview Teleprompter

Hardware Highlights: Interrotron Teleprompters

Interrotron teleprompting was created by film director Errol Morris because he wanted his interview subjects to look at the camera when he interviewed them, and not off-camera where he was sitting. Full Interrotron*: 2 cameras (yours) and 2 prompters (ours) to cross-feed the director's and talent's images to opposite screens. This allows participants to look directly at each other while still looking at the camera lens. Interrotron-light*: 2 cameras (yours), 1 prompter and 1 monitor (ours). The director's face appears on the talent's teleprompter so they're looking at the lens (1st pic). The director's side isn't recorded and eyeline is less important, so the talent's face appears on a monitor just below the camera lens (2nd pic). Both setups give very impressive results!
*Note: Interrotron prep-day is highly recommended, as this setup requires interfacing between your cameras and our prompter gear.
Through-lens Interrotron Teleprompter
Below-lens Interrotron Teleprompter

Hardware Highlights: EyeDirect® / iPad Teleprompter*

The EyeDirect® uses a patented combination of mirror and beamsplitter to guarantee eye contact with any interview subject, regardless of age or mood. Unit doubles as an iPad teleprompter by using included iPad cradle! *Available to rent without an operator. Tablet not included.
EyeDirect® Interview Teleprompter

Software Highlights: TeleScript AV™

We proudly use industry-standard TeleScript AV™. Cheaper (or even free!) teleprompting software is out there... But let's just say there's a difference between software costing thousands of dollars like we use vs a $25 app. As with all things, you get what you pay for.
Pro Tip: Ask what software your potential prompter operator is using. Cheap software could be hazardous to your production!
Live-switchable teleprompting is also available for live broadcasts/webcasts! A main and backup computers both run your script in-tandem, so we can immediately switch to the backup if there's a problem with the main. It's a great option now that more and more companies are having online announcements and functions. It's teleprompting with a safety net!
"Murdoch talk show" with the cast
"Live-switch" teleprompting with confidence monitor

Some Final Thoughts On Gear

Usually if you have a problem with rental gear, it's not a showstopper. But if you have a problem with a rental teleprompter... IT'S GAME OVER! That's why a backup laptop is sent on EVERY job (and usually much more!*). This gives you extra peace of mind that your job will go smoothly and without issues. And if you've ever been on a job where the wheels have fallen off for some reason... you'll understand why that peace of mind is priceless.
*Backup equipment only used in case of technical issues onsite.
DOP Roy checks framing with the 15" display. www.roybiafore.com