What is an Interrotron, and why do you need one?
STANDARD TELEPROMPTER
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PRESIDENTIAL PROMPTER
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ROBOTIC / RISE & FALL
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INTERROTRON
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CONFIDENCE MONITOR
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STEADICAM
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STANDARD TELEPROMPTER . PRESIDENTIAL PROMPTER . ROBOTIC / RISE & FALL . INTERROTRON . CONFIDENCE MONITOR . STEADICAM .
An Interrotron is a specialized two-way teleprompter device primarily used in film and interview production to create a direct eye-contact experience between the interviewer and the interviewee. It was developed by renowned documentary filmmaker Errol Morris to help subjects look directly into the camera without feeling intimidated or distracted. Here’s how it works and why it’s beneficial:
How Does an Interrotron Work?
The Interrotron setup typically involves two teleprompters:
One teleprompter is positioned in front of the interviewer’s camera, displaying the interviewee’s face.
The other teleprompter displays the interviewer's face in front of the interviewee’s camera.
This arrangement allows the interviewee to look into the camera lens while seeing the interviewer’s face, making it feel like they’re having a natural conversation with the interviewer.
Why Would I Want An Interrotron?
Natural Face-To-Face Conversation: The director and subject read each others’ body language. The conversation is more realistic and more believable.
Reduces Nervousness: Seeing the interviewer’s face instead of just a camera lens can help interviewees relax, making them more authentic and comfortable.
Enhances Engagement: It captures an intimate, direct eye-contact effect, giving the audience a sense of personal connection to the subject.
Ideal for Interviews: It’s especially useful for documentary and commercial productions where an emotional, genuine connection with the viewer is essential.
Saves Time & Money Because the subject is comfortable and in a natural face to face conversation the first take is often the best take. The director has what he needs and moves on to an on time wrap.
Effective Storytelling Tool: For directors, it’s a tool that enhances storytelling by capturing compelling expressions and body language from interviewees who feel like they’re speaking directly to the viewer.
For anyone producing content that benefits from strong, personal storytelling, an Interrotron can be a powerful asset.
Interrotron Style Direct Gaze and Neurocognition
Recent quantitative studies in the areas of neurocognition reveal deep-seated connections between eye-to-eye communication and brain activity: 4-month-old human infants prefer to look at faces that engage them in mutual gaze. Neuroscientists have documented marked increases in their brain's electric activity when interactions are accompanied by direct gaze (Farroni et al., 2002).
Likewise, a 2011 study proposed that a live face with a direct gaze is processed more intensely than a face with an averted gaze or closed eyes, as the direct gaze is capable of intensifying the feeling of being the target of the other’s interest and intentions. “Direct gaze elicited greater face-sensitive N170 amplitudes and early posterior negativity potentials than averted gaze or closed eyes, but only in the live condition” (Pönkänen et al. 2011).
What is an Interrotron?
An Interrotron is a device invented by filmmaker Errol Morris to create a more engaging and intimate interview experience. It allows the interviewer and the interviewee to maintain eye contact while both looking directly into the camera lens. This setup uses a modified teleprompter system, where the interviewer's face is displayed on a monitor in front of the camera lens, and the interviewee's face is displayed on a similar setup facing the interviewer (Teleprompter Mirror) (Wikipedia).
The name "Interrotron" combines "interview" and "terror," reflecting the goal of reducing the interviewee's discomfort. This technique helps the interviewee focus on a person rather than being distracted by the camera and production setup, resulting in a more natural and relaxed conversation (Wikipedia) (Slate Roof Films).
The Interrotron has been praised for its ability to create a unique connection between the subject and the viewer, making the interview feel more personal and engaging. It has significantly impacted documentary filmmaking and is used by filmmakers to produce high-quality, intimate interviews