Teleprompter Training

FAQ’s:

What is TAG??...
The Teleprompter Accreditation Group (TAG)
was established in order to achieve a standard of excellence among professional talent and public speakers who use Teleprompters. Branches are in development (inactively) across the U.S., with Atlanta being our home base and launching environment. Common names used are: (TAG Talent/TAG Actor/TAG News Anchor/TAG Public Speaker).

I’m already an established Actor so why do I need to be certified?
In many production communities, individuals may not need to demonstrate any knowledge or skill at all when hired for a Teleprompting job!

This challenges the credibility of our field and the work that we do!
TAG validates that veteran Teleprompter Talent and Agencies offering Talent with Teleprompting skills, are both credible and marked with a seal of excellence!
Already, a handful of Directors, Producers and Corporate Executives are requesting TAG Actors only on teleprompting jobs. You want your name on their list!

How do I become a TAG Actor?
In order to become a TAG Actor/Member, you need to come to a Qualifying Session, pass your requested Level and pay annual dues of $60.00. If you qualify, you will receive your TAG Card and honored with a “CTP” ranking certificate (Certified Teleprompter Professional).
Ex: John Doe, CTP
2010 TAG Member Level III

What is a Qualifying Session?
A Qualifying Session is much like an audition. We host 15 minute time slots and Actors come in to read their scripts with a Teleprompter(s). Scripts are sent to Actors 24 hrs beforehand. The sessions are videotaped. You will not receive training, feedback or critiquing. They are held randomly throughout the year and our next sessions are this week, Feb. 4th, 5th and 6th. Email: telegrouptag@gmail.com to reserve a space.

What are the Levels?
Simply put, our TAG Actors are either: Level 1, II or III.
We also have Young Actors (YA) and Young Actor Teen (YAT) Levels. The degree of Teleprompting needs in the film, video and webcasting industries vary greatly, from children reading teleprompters, to industrial spots where an actor is addressing one teleprompter but will need to read a lot of dialogue fluently, to a full-blown demonstration video where you may be building a house and simultaneously using 3-5 teleprompters, on cranes, dollies or a steadicam, all at once!

To match the needs of hiring professionals, we have established varying degrees of TAG Actors with “Levels”. The higher an Actors Level, the more marketable they will become. Some production companies may not need the highest ranking TAG Actors but they want to be assured that their Talent can get through a lot of dialogue without going into unjust overtime so by hiring a TAG Actor at a basic level is valid and required. You can read about our TAG Levels at www.telegroup.org/requirements.

Which Level should I try out for?
Your experience with Teleprompters will give you an idea of what you might want to apply for. If you are unsure and you try out for a Level III but don’t quite make, you may automatically be considered for Level II, likewise, if you try out for Level II but don’t quite make it, you may automatically be considered for Level I. It is our suggestion that you apply at a Level you will feel sure you can pass first!

Who determines if I am qualified to be a TAG Actor?
TAG has an Advisory Panel made up of distinguished professionals in the film industry ranging from Producers, Directors, Actors, Emmy Judges and Teleprompter Operators. Your Qualifying Session videotape is sent to our Advisory Panel after your session and the Advisory Panel has 21 days to judge and determine who is qualified. The results are sent back to TAG Founder, Lauri Plesco Ross who contacts you and your Agent with the results.

What if I pass?
TAG will notify you within 21 days of your Qualifying Session to let you know you passed, and at which Level. If you decide to become Certified, you will send your dues to the TAG office and receive your card within 10 business days. Your card will have an identifying code number on it and a yearly date. Each year you renew your card your card will have an updated date. Hiring professionals will be looking for current dates and code numbers. You will not be able to list yourself as a TAG Actor without your TAG card or code number.

What if I do not pass? Can I re-test?
You can re-test twice every 6 months. If you decide to re-test you will need to show proof of intent to improve via a teleprompting continuing education course, lesson, workshop or the like. These courses do not need to be taken with TAG. We can refer you to acting studios and schools who host teleprompting courses.

If I pass at one Level, can I apply for another Level at the next Qualifying Session?
Yes.

Will I have to pay an extra $60.00 if I pass on to the next Level?
Not if you pass within the same year that you have already paid $60.00.

Do I have to take courses from TAG in order to become a TAG Member?
No. As a request to the enhancement of the accreditation requirements, TAG now provides resources, training and coaching as well as ongoing workshops and private lessons with Teleprompters, however, this is not our primary focus and you are not required to take courses with TAG. Only advanced Actors or those with representation will be eligible for these courses with TAG.