Autoscript Rentals, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, has been helping to prompt presenters during the X Factor live shows since the programme first launched to UK audiences in September 2004.
During the current series, the equipment providing the prompting solution on the main stage includes an Autoscript 19-inch LED, as well as three 8-inch TFTs, one Miniscript and two WinPlus operating systems. The Autoscript WinPlus operating systems have a live switch installed between them to provide back up in the event of any technical difficulties.
Now in its 11th series, the X Factor live shows regularly command audiences in excess of nine million, and presenter Dermot O’Leary, and ITV2’s Xtra Factor presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford, rely on an operator and prompting solutions from Autoscript Rentals for every programme.
For the last decade, the X Factor production team has selected the same Autoscript Rentals operator and a range of prompting equipment. The operator who has worked throughout all of the live shows is on hand to input scripts, make any changes, and control the speed of the words on the screen to ensure the presenters give a faultless performance.
Rob Harwood, head of rentals, Autoscript said: “The X Factor is undoubtedly one of the biggest entertainment programmes on television and we feel privileged to supply such a high profile show. The feedback from the technicians and crew on set has consistently been very positive. During any live production the reliability of the equipment is paramount, and just like the acts on stage, it has to provide a seamless performance week in and week out. The team have been very happy with the equipment during the last decade of live shows on both the main programme and the Xtra Factor.
“In any production, the relationship between the Autoscript operator and the presenter is vital. The X Factor team have chosen the same operator as she knows exactly how the presenter prefers the Autoscript settings, they can place their trust in her and rely on him to ensure the script runs perfectly.”