I had a video shoot for a client yesterday. On past shoots I’ve used an iPad and teleprompter+ by Bombing Brain Interactive. The app itself is pretty solid, but getting a script into it can be a bit of a chore. Also, the remote control app is a bit flaky, and crashes a lot more often than I would care for, so between takes I wind up just running around the camera to reset the teleprompter, and then running back behind the camera to start recording before the text gets into place. It can be a real hassle.

This time around I decided to take a laptop and an external monitor so that I could control the teleprompter from behind the camera with ease. The only problem was that all of the teleprompter applications I found cost more than I really wanted to spend. I had a little bit of extra time on my hands, so I built one in flash.

This wound up working a lot better than the iPad. Getting scripts in place was easier, resetting between takes was faster, and making edits on the fly was simple.

Next I’d like to build a teleprompter box to actually go in front of the lens. For now though, I just secure the monitor right over the camera lens. It’s not as perfect as putting it in front, but it’s still pretty effective. (Don’t put it below the lens. Looking below the lens makes the talent look nervous and uncertain about what they’re saying. If they’re looking right above the lens however, it gives the illusion that they’re actually looking into it.)

If you want to use Quick-Prompt, I’m releasing it for free here:

• Mac Version
• Windows Version

Enjoy, and feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section!