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- Depending on the content and length of your script,

using a non-actor will sometimes mean

you need to look in to using a teleprompter

to aid in the production.

Why should you consider using a teleprompter?

One thing to keep in mind is that non-actors

can have a lot of difficulty with memorization.

So a teleprompter might be your saving grace

to get through a long piece.

It can save you an immense amount of time

to have the lines right in front of them

and not have to think about what they're doing.

It can also improve the quality

of your performance and their poise in delivery.

Having a teleprompter allows them

to do direct eye contact with the camera.

And this always gives a more

professional air to your productions.

Even for professional actors,

using a teleprompter can sometimes quash their personality.

So for a non-actor, a teleprompter will only amplify that.

A lot of times your budget may not allow

for a cost of a teleprompter and for someone to run it.

So the choice for a teleprompter

might not even be in the cards.

When you're using a teleprompter,

the script must be written for natural delivery,

otherwise your performances will come off

as stiff and formal.

If your talent finds that they have

a lot of difficulty using a teleprompter,

you're going to need to come up with a creative solution,

like having them memorize smaller chunks

of the lines and being aware of where

your B-roll's going to cover things.

And what if your talent needs to wear glasses

in order to read the teleprompter,

but is unable to for whatever reason

because of the production, what will you do then?

You need to consider alternate methods

of having their lines delivered.

These are the kinds of questions

you need to ask of your talent ahead of time

to figure out whether or not a teleprompter

is needed or will be a hindrance.

Whether or not you ultimately use a teleprompter

with your non-actor talent,

remember to keep things positive and upbeat

and look for creative solutions when needed.