Teleprompter - eh, you can make one too...

[Intrigued]

This is an interesting article on making one's own teleprompter:

http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/22302.html

[Corey]

Very cool. I'm going to build one of those someday. That's just plain awesome.

And I bet I'm the only person on my street with his own teleprompter!

OK Brian, easy boy, eeee-ee-eeeeeasy...

[Intrigued]

I hope to get to making some sort of one of such myself this spring. Next, will be to create a projector (still so dang expensive they are).

Then I can do those impromptu training sessions with a laser pointer, cup of "joe" and my laptop.

[Corey]

Then I can do those impromptu training sessions with a laser pointer, cup of "joe" and my laptop.

Ooooooookay but I don't think you're going to teach that laser pointer a dang thing.

[Michael]

The idea for building your own teleprompter is quite cool. After several attempts, I've learned a few things to share. On the one noted here, I would suggest using a black cloth to the edge of the glass and then attaching it to the camera. (My first attempt was, using a wooden picture frame, stapling the cloth to the frame and then using a large rubber band to close it around the camera lense.) In this way, the print has a black background and is easily read.

The other problem is getting control of the print movement and reversal of the laptop screen. I couldn't get the problem solved using AMS (although got close), so I broke down and bought Proprompter software. There are other ways, but I wanted ease of control.

Actually, the last version uses a large speaker stand with a more portable platform that includes a place for the laptop and camera to sit with adjustments for the glass.

I've found that with practice your video can look professional as you look directly into the camera lense while speaking. However, even this takes practice. Just look at those nightly news guys. It looks like one eye it reading and the other is not moving at all!! Very funny.

"And now....our top story...."

[Intrigued]

Ooooooookay but I don't think you're going to teach that laser pointer a dang thing.

LMAO!

Well, it's worth a try? ;-)