Going green with green has become a necessity today if you want to drag your subject of interest out from the real world and place it into the digital domain. By using the magical blend of video effects and technology, you can also superimpose your subject on to a virtual background or place them across an animated digital backdrop or transport them through the deserted oasis. 

Chroma keying is a process that allows you to pull your subjects out from your real-world and occupy them into a completely transformed world. You can use this process to isolate either a single color or brightness across an electronic image with the help of software, allowing the value to turn transparent. 

Why you need to go green?

Most of the people today use both the green screening and chroma keying terms interchangeably. However, the principle underlining the power and ability of the chrominance keying is not limited to its spectrum’s green parts. You might have noticed the frequent use of blue screens in Hollywood movies; but why is there a need for the green in televisions and videos? So, here is the answer for you – 

For isolating one zone from the rest, you need to have an altogether different background. Bright green overcomes the effects of blue as it is neither partially nor fully worn by talent. Let’s take an example! Your subject is wearing a shirt with numerous circles that perfectly matches the colour of the background of your location. When clicked in this manner, the circles across the shirt of your subject might appear as if your subject has several holes punched throughout his body. 

Are there any requirements for the green screen?

Yes, there are! All you need to do is to erect a simple chromakey setup at your green screen studio. You may or may not need anything more than a few essential tools. To shoot for the footage, you may need a green background, a source of bright light, evenly distributed lighting effects, and a tripod for placing your camcorder under the locked setting. 

Is there any need to buy or build a background?

The most obvious need for any photoshoot is either creating a background where you are or obtaining a studio space on rent. Fortunately, the world has so much to offer if you have the receiver’s hands. In other words, you may pick anything that is bright green in colour. In markets, you will find professional green screens created from dedicated cyclone sets or large professional fabrics. 

So, when you set for buying a green screen studio space on rent, make sure that you select a background that is large enough for filling the entire length of your screen. Besides, if you are using it for the first time, you may start with a small scale and later scale up with the requirements. Most people use both green screening and chromakeying interchangeably. However, the principle powering your chromakeying is not only restricted to your spectrum’s green part. 

Use it smoothly – 

Be it either a normal cyclorama or a professional grade cyclorama wall, it won’t serve your purpose without proper lighting. The secret technique behind obtaining good keys is availing the wall’s lighting feature. The prime goal of this process is to light your set as evenly as possible with the use of soft light. Any variation introduced in the lighting process might complicate your entire stuff. 

Use is separate – 

Another important, however, overlooked feature of green screen lighting is to project your subject independent of the position of your set. This holds importance for two key reasons – shadows and reflections. When your wall is lit evenly, it facilitates the elimination of the subject’s shadow from falling apart from it. 

Lock down your tripod – 

You can see a combination of a complicated visual effect composting software and motion tracking markers for tracking your subject’s movement around the virtual 3D environment. To prevent vibration effects from interrupting your shoot, you can either take off your hands or commit yourself to motion tracking. 

Frame and focus – 

Last but not least, the focus is a chief criterion, and the only way to achieve a well-focused image is to zoom your lens to the maximum telephoto setting while adjusting your focus. You can do so either by setting your focus on to a specular height or a sparkle. 

These are some essential inputs to consider while handling a green screen.