A Green screen is now the most popular method used for compositing. Green screens are suitable for both studio and outdoor shoots. Green screens are also known as chroma key backdrops. Green Screens have been used in Hollywood movies, big budget productions and they are very clear that Green screens are here to stay!
S if you’re considering using a green screen then read on …
1) Green Screen Placement
Ensure that the backdrop is large enough to fit all of your subject matter, action and props into one single image. So if you want to does an interview with someone ensure you have enough space behind them so no heads will be cut off or any other distractions at the backdrop. Ensure you use enough light either natural or artificial to light up the Green Screen evenly.
2) Green Screen Lighting
Lighting is a key when shooting against a Green Screen backdrop, if the lighting is not even then you will get a nasty green hue in some areas and a black hue in others. To avoid this either use natural light or if using artificial light make sure that the Green Screen is lit evenly.
3) Green Screen Editing
When it comes to editing your footage make sure that you select the “green” layer in your software and cut out any unwanted areas with the lasso tool or magic wand. Once you have your subject isolated from the background, you can begin to composite them into any scene you like!
4) Green Screen Use
There are now Green Screens available for rent or purchase; they are either made of Green fabric or Green vinyl. If your Green screen does not come with a stand then you can purchase Green Screen Stands to hold up the Green Screen backdrop to make setting up much easier…
5) Green – The foundation of Green Screening is Green (duh)
Green is the easiest color for most cameras to see, so if you’re starting with a green screen that’s all you need to worry about. However, it can be helpful to use an additional color as a reference point just in case there are slight variations in the camera model. For instance, my camera has a “Magenta” setting for objects which appear purple on-camera. I’ve noticed some differences between my shots so I often shoot 2 colors per scene using Green and Magenta as my sources.
6) Light – Lighting is one of the most important parts of Green Screening.
Since Green screens are darker than their surroundings, your subject needs to be lit very evenly. If they are too bright or too dark the Green screen will reflect that and look weird. Also, you need to make sure your light is even across the Green screen so you don’t have any darkness creeping in on one side. I’ve seen some tutorials where people place a white board behind their subject to bounce natural light back onto them but I typically just use studio lights which have adjustable intensity. My Green screen is also generally right next to a window so I’ll sometimes position my subject with direct sunlight at their back for an added fill-light source if needed.
7) Capture – When shooting your choice of scene, take into account what you’ll need in the background.
In other words, don’t shoot something that will require a Green screen if you don’t have one. I typically try to plan my scenes so that the majority of the action is taking place in front of my Green screen and not behind it. This way I’m not limited by what I can or can’t use as a background.
8) Post – When it comes to post production, Green screening is pretty easy.
All you need is an editor that supports Green screening (most do) and then just cut out your subject and replaces it with your chosen background. I typically use Adobe Premiere Pro but there are many different software options available.
Conclusion:
Green screens are a great way to improve your video editing skills. With just a bit of practice you can create amazing scenes that wouldn’t be possible with a regular background. Be sure to light your Green screen evenly and use natural or artificial light sources to avoid any nasty green or black hues in your footage. Also, try to capture your scenes so that the majority of the action is in front of the Green screen and not behind it. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to post production. Green screens are a lot of fun and also useful to learn so get started today!
Green screens are a great way to add dynamic backgrounds to your videos and with the right tips; it’s easy to use them. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create better videos with Green screens in no time!
