I love what I do for a living. There are few careers available that allow you to weave your work schedule around a happy life. This business has allowed me to see the world, rub elbows with those only read and dreamt about, and best of all, I can type the word "Paradigm Shift" faster than I can say it (thought that speechwriters would never stop using that phrase)

   I started my production career as a Production Assistant for a Video/Film Company in Arlington, Texas. It was the best "first job" experience I could have hoped for. We were encouraged to participate in every aspect of production and I was crewing, casting and editing by the time I left there 3 years later.

   1992, took me to the Phoenix market, hoping to begin freelancing as a Production Manager, and was approached with a business offer to purchase a Teleprompting Company. As you know, on video/film projects, prompter ops are clinging tightly to the bottom rung of the production ladder - cameramen whine about the added hassle and weight, gaffers hate the glass reflection … and the only person happy to see you is the talent - but they're not paying the bill. So needless to say, I wasn't too thrilled about purchasing a teleprompting company.

   Enter stage left, the live broadcast and conference business, where a prompter op is catapulted to a ladder rung where you at least have a decent view. (they don't call us Prompter Princesses for nothing) I've loved every minute of the last 16 years and can't wait to see what the next 16 brings … possibly another Paradigm Shift.

Meri Pachuilo