Video or Film Prompting - Rates/Options
Video Prompting system includes:
- Computerized prompting workstation.
- Thru-the_lens Beamsplitter mounted on cam or on a stand in front of lens
- Qualified prompter operator (deliver, setup, and operate)
- Per 10 hour day = $1000
- Per 5 hour day - SELECT CLIENTS ONLY = $600
- Optional: Over shoulder system - 2 mons/stands = $200
- Optional: Eye-to-Eye interview system = $200
- 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
- Our half day rate MUST fall under 5 hours with travel time counted, and is currently only available to select clients on a case-by-case basis.
- 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.
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
Picture a friend or Colleague
behind prompter mirror.
You'll be looking directly into the lens, or audience, and it will help connect with your message.
YOU control the speed!
The prompter operator is following YOU. If you pause, the op will pause. If you speak faster, the op will scroll faster.
Focus on the MESSAGE!
Remember, they're just words... until spoken in context! By pausing normally, taking a breath, using punctuation to help pace yourself, the message will more easily make it into your audience's ears, brains and hearts.
Avoid Prompter panic!
Breeaaathe... relax. Blink occasionally, smile often, and relax your shoulders. It's ok to pause occasionally if you need to compose yourself or re-focus.
Ad-libbing is (mostly) Ok!
Especially when speaking live, there are moments when you might want to interject a personal anecdote, or to thank an audience member. If you do so, the prompter op will PAUSE where you had just been speaking. Then, be sure to start back up at the next line of prompter text.
Hydrate!
Your vocal chords are one of the first body parts to de-hydrate. Drink plenty of water to keep your voice clear. Consider having room temp water nearby for a quick refresher.
For video shoots, STAY FOCUSED at the end!
It's natural to want to look away toward the camera person or director as soon as you've finished the promtper text. Avoid the urge to do so...and insteand... smile... and HOLD your gaze into the prompter until after the director says cut. This gives the editors time to edit the end of your spoken words.
Prep your Script!
When writing or preparing your script, keep the formatting SIMPLE. You can work in any word processor, but avoide lots of tabs, columns, boxes, background colors, etc. There's no need to use a large font, as the prompter op will prepare your script for large text output.
Our Pricing
Here's a quick overview of pricing for our various services. Visit the rate page of each type for full details.
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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
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VIDEO FULL DAY
$ 1000 Day- Prompting Workstation
- Operator - 10 Hrs
- Rates are Portal/Portal from SF
- Deliver/Setup/Operate
- Opt. Extra TTL Units
- Camera or Stand Mount
- See full Video Rates
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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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VIDEO HALF DAY
$ 600 5 hrs- Prompting Workstation
- Operator - 5 Hrs
- Rates are Portal/Portal from SF
- Deliver/Setup/Operate
- Select Clients ONLY
- Camera or Stand Mount
- See full Video Rates
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