Professional Green Screen

A green screen offers an opportunity to add images, graphics, etc at the later stage of editing. Green is the important color used for chroma keying because the video camera sensors are sensitive to this color. It provides a better contrast to the skin color of the subject. Even other colors can be used to key but the outcome may not be as effective as green. Using green is an excellent starting point, but here are four more specific (and less obvious) tips for getting a professional green screen result.

Green screening allows the film producers to make extraordinary effects for their videos. It provides an opportunity to make varied editing options post production. It is very flexible. It helps us to overcome issues like noise, natural lights and other factors. Let's now consider the ways to develop a professional green screen background.

Reflection shouldn't collide with the subject

Generally, green screen keying drops a reflection on to the subject when light effects are given. So we have to focus appropriately to avoid reflections. Because the reflection will give a greenish effect on the subject and later we try to do it, it may takeaway all the natural green effects on the subject. So to overcome this, we have to place the subject away from the green screen. This helps to reduce the reflections. The aim is to attain a perfect picture by avoiding green light effects on to the subject.

Lighting Effects

A separate light effect has to be used for the subject from that of the green screen. It makes the keying concept easier. Now let's consider the lighting procedures for better outcome:

Green Screen Lighting:

Ensure to use the same pitch of green base for the entire screen with proper lighting. This helps to avoid shadow. This can be attained by placing two lamps on either side with equal distance from the screen. This will give an even lighting to the entire screen and avoids shadows.

Light effects on the Subject:

Ensure to place the subject in long distance from the screen to avoid shadows and then the lights has to be placed. In case shadows are cast on the screen, the subject has to be moved front and the light effects has to be adjusted accordingly.

Choice of material

There are a variety of material that can be used for the green screen. The choice of material depends on our budget and the way used for keying. For a film shooting ,the budget is usually high and so the sets used are large with huge lighting effects. Whereas for a short film or video even a simple green cloth will cater to our requirements. Let's consider the material options that are available:

1. Green Screen Paper: These are disposable backdrops that can be discarded after use and are usually cheaper than other materials. It is difficult to store these for future use as rolling it can cause damage and we may have to buy a new one for future use. A matte paper requires lesser light effects
2. Fabrics: Muslin is the most used fabric material for backdrops. This is a great choice of decoration of the backdrop. They are flexible enough to pack and carry from place to place with ease. They are wrinkle free and are durable.
3. Vinyl: Its a hard material subject to last long when handled with care. But a better choice than paper as gives a better effect. This is suitable for those looking for a small budget screening.

Exact Focus

A lot of things are need to be considered before we shoot. Even the accessories of the subject can cast shadows on the backdrops. We need to consider all these and shoot accordingly by re-positioning. Hair is an important factor that can cause bad effects. When let loose, it may cast shadows and may make the key process difficult. The color of the subject's attire shouldn't be green

Green screening helps to get marvellous outcome of the shoot. But all this can be attained only on having a professional use of the chroma key else it may end up by causing a cumber some work post production. By considering the above stated factors, we can use the green screen effectively.