how to teleprompt

Neil Tanner, Inc. Your most complete source for teleprompter rental and services for film, video, speech, and the web. High quality solutions for director and subject interaction, featuring the MirrorCam™ (like the Interrotron) and the EyeLiner & EyeDirect. Serving the San Francisco, California Bay Area and beyond since 1993.

Who is Neil Tanner, anyway?

First, I'm not some big company. You call me, you get me as an operator—the guy who owns, maintains, and constantly upgrades this gear.

By hiring me, you get someone whose name is on the line. This way, you know you'll get great service.

My past lives include being an audio technician, art director, set builder, still photographer, and grip. Understand that I've been prompting that whole time, and focus exclusively on this now, but you get all that other production experience too. I love the film biz.

Do I have to be experienced to use a teleprompter?

Nope. I have worked with people at all levels of experience: Some seasoned professionals, some deep from the computer labs and green to speaking in front of people at all. The teleprompter allows you to focus on your delivery, rather than memorizing. It is a great aid to getting your message across.

Do you train people on how to use teleprompters?

I offer individual coaching and classes for people to excel with teleprompters: on-camera or on-stage. Call me and we'll work it out.

How do I give you my script?

Scripts are best delivered the day before, via e-mail in .txt or .doc formats. Please remove extraneous visual or stage cues, ie two column.

Clients may also supply files on a USB drive. Typing it in from scribbled notes will require a letter from your mother.

Will my camera fit with your teleprompter?

Tell me what you have and we'll come up with a great solution. I have a variety of teleprompters that play well with anything from the Flip to 5D & 7D DSLR to RED to big Arri Alexa or 535 film cameras with short primes up to gigante zooms. Big matte boxes, filters, and follow focus set-ups require some thought, but are normally doable. I can be there for camera prep day too.

Do you rent that cool Interrotron thing?

The name "Interrotron" actually belongs to the master documentary filmmaker Errol Morris. I have the exact same technology but call it the MirrorCam™. And yes, it's cool.

What about the EyeLiner or EyeDirect?

I rent that out too. It's great: you're in eye contact heaven. Click here.

How much do you charge?

That really depends on your application, location, and what's needed.

I'm not the cheapest but not the most expensive either. What matters ultimately, is that I have the right gear for all situations. With my many years of experience, I will make your speaker look their best. What is that worth to you?

I have had to rescue other operators before and have been amazed at how many companies call me after going with the cheapest route first.

Give me a call and I'll make sure you're satisfied.

Do you do Union gigs?

If your production is at a Local 16 facility, then yes, I can be Union. Call me to see if I'm available, then just request me in your Labor Call.

Do you rent just the equipment?

Yes, I do rent my systems and am only a phone call or text away. My gear has shipped around the world, even the South Pole. Training available.

Normally an operator goes out with the teleprompter systems. We know all sorts of tricks and can help you in other areas too. It's best for most situations to have an operator there in case anything unplanned arises. Prompting and running camera? Not recommended:)

Client is responsible for delivery and return.

Why don't I just buy my own teleprompter?

You could. I find though, that people buy systems that sit on the shelves for most of the year, and their needs change. Also, your interns or production assistants who know how to operate come and go. I will always have what you need, now.

I have a script in Spanish. Do you prompt in other languages?

I speak enough French and Spanish to have confidently 'prompted en español y en français. I have also worked in German, Italian, Czech, Portuguese, and even Mandarin. Do I know what they just said in Portuguese? Honestly no– what matters is that I can follow along with them perfectly.

I've also trained native speakers of other languages to operate my systems onsite. Any language character set is available. My gear and I continue to fly around the world.

Any fine print I should know?

There is a 100% cancellation fee with less than 24 hours notice. 50% for less than 48 hours notice.

Overtime is calculated as 1.5X after ten hours, or 2X after twelve.

Because I am bringing gear, drive time is included in my working hours. 30 minutes and 30 miles from the center of SF in each direction are free. Mileage is 50-cents/ mile. Parking rates vary.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to working with you.

Peace.

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