Teleprompter DIY for $50.00

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If you don't see the video above, click here for a step by step instructional video!

Teleprompters are used in live TV and video productions. They allow the actor to read a script projected on a mirror, directly in front of the lens, so the eyes are also looking at the lens. Professional teleprompters can run anywhere from $3,500 to well over $20,000.00.

I'm going to show you how you can make your own teleprompter for under $50.00

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Step 1: Buy the glass

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Purchase a 16" x 16" piece of mirror glass or beam splitter glass from a local glass shop. This cost me just under $35. You can see through one side of the glass while the other side has a mirror finish.

kathynv says: Oct 20, 2007. 10:11 PM

Thank you! My kid's high school broadcasts the news every day, and they can't afford a teleprompter. Well, up until now - I suspect that the broadcast kids are going to take a quick trip down to wood shop first thing Monday morning. Thank you again - it will be a lot easier to watch the high school's version of the news (80% sports) if the announcers aren't always looking off to the left or being distracted by the by the cue card person's jokes.

hersheymagic2 in reply to kathynvOct 20, 2007. 11:00 PM

Glad you found it helpful! If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. keith@metacafenews.com Maybe we can get them to start using a green screen too LOL Keith

wesley33 says: Oct 14, 2011. 5:10 PM

can i use this with an ipad?

PromptDog says: May 12, 2009. 6:11 PM

Great tutorial. If working with timber is more than you want to deal with, you may like our diy teleprompter instructions which use cardboard boxes. Free download at http://www.promptdog.com/downloads/diy_teleprompter.zip

noahh says: Oct 3, 2008. 9:51 PM

It might be worth mentioning that if you are using a computer or laptop, you should change its settings by turning off sleep mode. Or setting it to go to sleep after several hours.

wizardofcode says: Jun 18, 2008. 12:49 PM

I really liked your tutorial. I like to use DirectPrompt as my teleprompting software solution. I paid $25 for my copy at the Direct Prompt website.

valiot says: Oct 22, 2007. 1:53 AM

I love this tutorial. I have a question about the glass. It seems like the camera side is a little dark (tinted?). Won't this affect the image. Like filming through a filter or something?

SmartPhoneCardTrick (author) in reply to valiotOct 22, 2007. 9:50 AM

Not at all. It's like a neutral density filter. Just open up your lens a little, bump up the gain or make sure you are lighting the set properly :o) Thanks, Keith

joejoerowley says: Oct 20, 2007. 6:20 AM

Cool! The only I would add is a clip of the someone reading the script to show how well it works.

hersheymagic2 in reply to joejoerowleyOct 20, 2007. 11:02 PM

Thanks for the comment! I thought about that but my good camera (Canon XL2) was on the tripod behind the teleprompter and I was using my small camera to shoot everything and I couldn't hold the small camera and do a shot with me in it at the same time. Great comment though! Thanks :o)

darkmuskrat says: Oct 20, 2007. 10:26 AM

Nice! I need to get me some mirror glass now.