Talking Heads?

[Design Media Consultants]

I agree with John. We always have people look off camera. And we do have them face and talk to one of us. But we spend time making them comfortable. Many people are nervous in front of a camera. You do not want a robotic interview. Most people are more relaxed and natural when talking to a person versus a camera. People who can stand in front of a camera, look into the lens, and look and sound good are considered talent and usually well compensated.

Regarding a teleprompter. That can create its own nightmares. Unless a person is experienced in reading from a teleprompter they can sound very scripted and awkward. If you are doing a documentary, you are interviewing people. You cannot interview them if you are writing a script for them.

 

[graywolf]

I agree with John. We always have people look off camera. And we do have them face and talk to one of us. But we spend time making them comfortable. Many people are nervous in front of a camera. You do not want a robotic interview. Most people are more relaxed and natural when talking to a person versus a camera. People who can stand in front of a camera, look into the lens, and look and sound good are considered talent and usually well compensated.

Regarding a teleprompter. That can create its own nightmares. Unless a person is experienced in reading from a teleprompter they can sound very scripted and awkward. If you are doing a documentary, you are interviewing people. You cannot interview them if you are writing a script for them.

Well, I just gave you another 'yes' vote.

Your comments make sense to me. Just a bit of a admonition to readers, I labeled this thread "Talking Heads", intending it to refer to both talent and interviewees. Your comments about the difference seem to be about correct.

 

[TheDingo]

Unless a person is experienced in reading from a teleprompter they can sound very scripted and awkward.

I often use a teleprompter when shooting educational and training videos. I use the teleprompter to provide people with bullet-points for the topics they are covering, which lets them speak in their own words and helps them keep on track.

My worst case scenario was 22 takes to get a 5 minute video without the teleprompter, and then a week later it took only 2 takes for the same person to shoot a different 5 minute video with the teleprompter.

I also find the teleprompter helps to relax people when used this way, as they don't have to worry about remembering all the details of what they want to cover.

Scripted text often comes off a little fake unless you are working with someone who has been trained to perform with a teleprompter.

 

[Design Media Consultants]

I often use a teleprompter when shooting educational and training videos. I use the teleprompter to provide people with bullet-points for the topics they are covering, which lets them speak in their own words and helps them keep on track.

My worst case scenario was 22 takes to get a 5 minute video without the teleprompter, and then a week later it took only 2 takes for the same person to shoot a different 5 minute video with the teleprompter.

I also find the teleprompter helps to relax people when used this way, as they don't have to worry about remembering all the details of what they want to cover.

Scripted text often comes off a little fake unless you are working with someone who has been trained to perform with a teleprompter.

Never said a teleprompter cannot work. Because they do. But inexperienced people will often sound scripted and look unnatural. Also had teleprompters that failed mechanically, and had teleprompter operators who scrolled so fast the reader could not keep up, this was during a live filming. Stuff happens. This is a documentary forum area, and the use of a teleprompter while interviewing sounds scripted is what I am referring to. For training films, if people are allowed to practice and go at their own pace, it could be a useful tool. But training films are not noted for their interesting or exciting performances. We use teleprompters for certain events and training films, but not for interviews.