When people watch an interview, they notice whether the person on camera feels natural. The tone, expression and eye contact all matter. One simple tool that can help is the Interrotron. It sounds dramatic, but the idea is practical. It helps people look directly into the lens while speaking to a real person. That is the heart of what makes the technique effective.
This guide explains what the Interrotron is, how it works, and why it can make straight-to-camera interviews more engaging and easier to film.
What the Interrotron Is
The Interrotron was created by filmmaker Errol Morris. He wanted interview subjects to look straight into the lens while still speaking naturally. Most people find it difficult to talk to a camera as if it is a person. Their eyes drift. Their delivery becomes stiff. The connection is lost.
The Interrotron solves this by adapting a teleprompter. Instead of displaying text, the teleprompter shows a live video feed of the interviewer. The interviewee sees a real person on the screen and speaks to them. At the same time, they are looking directly into the camera lens. The viewer experiences a stronger connection as a result.
How the Setup Works
The process is simple. A camera films the interviewer. That signal is then fed into the teleprompter in front of the main lens. The subject looks at the interviewer’s face on the teleprompter glass. The main camera records the subject facing the lens while having a natural conversation.
There is no trick to it. The subject does not need extra coaching. They just talk to a person. The equipment fades into the background, and the conversation feels real.
Why It Helps People Relax
Most people are not trained performers. When asked to speak to a lens, they often tense up. They lose their natural speech rhythm. They look away or try to remember lines word for word. Viewers can sense this immediately.
Talking to a real person changes the dynamic. Eye contact is easier. Facial expression is more open. Answers flow with less pressure. This usually leads to stronger soundbites and faster interview sessions. It also reduces the need for retakes, which saves time for the crew and the client.
Remote Interviewing Benefits
The Interrotron also enables remote direction. Instead of feeding a camera signal into the teleprompter, you can feed a laptop. The interviewer can join through video conferencing software such as Zoom or Skype. Their face appear on the teleprompter screen as if they were in the room.
This is useful when the director cannot travel or when the subject is filming in another state or country. The conversation still feels personal. The cost of travel is avoided.
When to Use the Interrotron
The technique suits interviews where direct eye contact with the viewer is essential. These include corporate profiles, personal stories, announcements, testimonials and thought-leadership content. It is not always necessary for documentary interviews or conversational two-camera setups, but it is valuable when you want a clear connection between the subject and the audience.
If you want to improve your on-camera presence, you might also find our practical tips for being interviewed helpful.
If you would like an experienced crew to set up an Interrotron for your next shoot, you can contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Interrotron?
An Interrotron is a teleprompter setup that displays a live video feed of the interviewer. This helps the interviewee look naturally into the camera while speaking to a person.
Why does it improve straight-to-camera interviews?
Most people find it easier to talk to a person than a lens. The Interrotron helps subjects relax, speak clearly and make direct eye contact with the audience.
Do you need special training to use it?
No. The subject simply talks to the interviewer’s face on the teleprompter screen. The process feels natural and does not require extra coaching.
Can it be used for remote interviews?
Yes. Instead of a camera feed, the teleprompter can display a video call from a director or interviewer using Zoom or Skype.
Is the Interrotron suitable for every type of video?
It is ideal for direct-to-camera interviews, announcements and testimonials. For other styles, such as conversational or multi-camera documentary setups, a different approach may be more suitable.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
