For a natural conversation
Often the best choice for interviews and customer stories, where you want people to describe their experience in their own words.
Choosing an Autocue for Your Video Shoot
If your video needs a presenter to deliver a prepared script, an autocue can help. We’ll help you choose a setup that suits the script, the presenter and your filming schedule.
Our usual recommendation
An iPad autocue suits many shoots
It gives the presenter the full script in front of the lens and fits into a compact camera setup.
For a long script, several presenters or a tight filming schedule, we may recommend a professional prompter with a dedicated operator. We include the operator in the quote.
Three ways to film your presenter
The main question is whether the presenter needs to follow a script or speak in their own words. From there, we consider the script length, their experience and the time available for filming.
For regular presenter shoots
A compact setup for a presenter speaking to camera with a short or straightforward script.
For longer scripts and busy shoots
An operator follows each presenter’s pace and manages the script throughout the shoot. Useful for long scripts, several speakers or a tight schedule.
If you’re using an autocue, write the script as you’d say it aloud and give the presenter time to practise. Set the scrolling speed to match their speaking pace.
How an autocue works
An autocue, also known as a teleprompter, displays the script on glass positioned in front of the camera lens. The presenter can read while continuing to look directly into the camera.
It removes the need to memorise every line and helps keep approved wording consistent across takes. For a natural delivery, focus on writing the script for speech and allow time to practise.
When no autocue is the better choice
For interviews and testimonial-style videos, a fully written script can make the speaker sound less like themselves. We often work from questions, themes or key points and edit the responses into the finished story.
- The video needs to feel conversational.
- Exact wording is not essential.
- The speaker knows the subject well.
- The story will be assembled from a longer interview.
When an iPad autocue is enough
A compact iPad autocue suits many corporate shoots where a presenter needs to speak directly to the viewer. We fit it to the camera, load the script before filming and adjust the scrolling speed to suit the presenter.
This works well with one or a few presenters, a reasonably short script and a straightforward camera setup. The presenter can concentrate on speaking to the viewer with the words there when they need them.
If the script is very long, changes repeatedly during the shoot or needs close attention throughout every take, a dedicated operator can be the more efficient choice.
When we recommend a professional prompter
A professional prompter comes with a dedicated operator who controls the scrolling text. They follow the presenter’s pace, pause when needed and return to the right line for another take.
- The script is long or detailed.
- The schedule allows little room for delays.
- The production budget allows for an additional crew member.
- Several presenters will use the autocue.
- The presenter needs help finding a comfortable pace.
- The camera crew needs to focus entirely on filming.
The operator and equipment add to the cost and setup time. We’ll discuss this during pre-production and explain why we recommend it for your shoot.
How autocue affects the filming day
We allow time to assemble the autocue, load the script and check that the presenter can read it comfortably. A professional system also needs an operator and may need more space around the camera.
We test the scrolling speed and record a practice take before filming. You can stop, take a breath and repeat a section whenever you need to. We can film the script in sections and join the takes during editing.
Benefits and things to watch for
An autocue takes away the pressure of remembering every line. The wording, scrolling speed and time spent rehearsing all affect how comfortable the presenter feels.
What it can help with
- Maintaining direct eye contact with the camera
- Reducing the pressure to memorise a script
- Delivering approved or technical wording accurately
- Keeping the message consistent across takes
- Giving a less experienced presenter more support
What to be aware of
- Written language can sound unnatural when spoken
- A fast scroll can make delivery feel mechanical
- Long sentences can make eye movement noticeable
- Last-minute script changes can slow filming
- The prompter can influence camera and shot planning
Preparing the script and presenter
Read the script aloud before the shoot. You’ll hear which sentences need shortening and which words feel awkward to say.
Read it aloud
Simplify anything that feels awkward to say and use shorter, more natural sentences.
Confirm the details
Check names, technical terms and unusual pronunciations before filming.
Get the script approved
Finalise the wording wherever possible and provide the script in an editable format.
Practise the delivery
Practise aloud so you’re familiar with the wording and know where to pause. You don’t need to memorise it.
Autocue FAQs
Will an autocue make me sound robotic?
It doesn’t have to. Use words you’d normally say, practise aloud and set the scrolling speed to a comfortable pace. If you find reading a script difficult, we can discuss filming an interview instead.
Do I always need a professional operator?
No. An iPad autocue is enough for many straightforward presenter shoots. We may recommend an operator for a long script, several presenters or a tight schedule.
Can we change the script on the filming day?
Yes, we can make small changes on the day. It helps to get the script approved beforehand, as repeated changes take time and give the presenter more to learn during the shoot.
Should the presenter memorise the script?
No. Read it aloud beforehand so you understand the message and feel comfortable saying it. The autocue will be there to help you follow the wording.
Can several presenters use the same autocue?
Yes. We allow time to load the relevant script and find a suitable pace for each person. For a busy shoot involving several presenters, a professional operator can help keep the day moving.
Choose the right autocue setup
Tell us what you’re filming and whether the presenter needs to follow the script word for word. We’ll recommend a setup and include it in your production plan.
