Working Life

The Autocue Operator operates the prompting system used to allow presenters to read their scripts while looking directly into the camera lens.

The autocue operator ensures the autocue scrolls at a pace that matches the presenter’s delivery, allowing for smooth and natural reading.

Role and Responsibilities 

This role is an essential part of the functioning of all busy TV studios, and any shoot in which those presenting must deliver lengthy pieces of script while on camera.

The autocue operator works directly with on-screen talent under the supervision of the Director.

The smooth presentational performance of the presenter is, to a great extent, down to the autocue operator, who must often work under the pressure of live TV in a busy studio environment. 

The autocue operator must have the capacity to remain calm, responding to any delivery difficulties the presenter may be experiencing, while making any last minute adjustments to the script. 

In non-live recordings, the autocue operator is also expected to notice when something has been misread, and to alert the director of the need for a second take if others have missed this. 

The role also requires a high level of people and interpersonal skills, and the operator needs to have the ability to put celebrities and presenters at their ease where difficult script reads are concerned.

Works with

• Director
• Talent
• Floor Manager
• Production Manager
• Camera Team
• Broadcaster personnel

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Education Route: Courses in media, film & television, broadcast journalism, camera operations, studio production, script formatting, or teleprompting software may be beneficial, but are not essential.

Career Path to Autocue Operator: An autocue operator will have worked as an assistant or understudy to a busy autocue operator before providing the service directly, possibly after a number of years providing the service in a corporate event or seminar environment.

Career Path from Autocue Operator: Script Supervisor, Studio Technical Operator.