Filmmakers and video editors often suggest using the green screen in video projects to add jaw-dropping effects. A green screen is used to alter the background and add graphical effects. Star Wars, a popular science fiction movie, is one of the finest examples of a green screen.
The background and effects of the view were outstanding, and that could not have been possible with the help of a green screen. According to Statista, the movie made more than ten billion dollars at the worldwide box office. A green screen, in short, is something that you can use to catch the attention of the viewers.
Other big movies such as Moon and Mars use the green screen to make the scenes spectacular and appreciable. The green screen is a common term used among video editors and makers, but only experts like BIGVU know how to use it. According to BIGVU’s video tips mentioned on its website, the green screen solves the problems of shooting locations. That means you can shoot your video anywhere and change the background later.
Usage Tips for Green Screen
To be able to change the background or image within a video, it is crucial to use the green screen wisely. Here are some tips on using the green screen like a pro:
Choose the Right Type of Green Screen
Don’t go blindly with the color of the screen. Green screen is a broad term to describe a plain screen with a color tone easily altered with an image, scene, or background. Video makers use blue screen, Digi green screen, and light green screen alternatively for different purposes.
Blue screen, for instance, is used to add night scenes in a movie or a clip. The blue-colored screen has the smallest grains for better image quality. When exposed to black and white film using blue light, the color blue shows up as a bright light. A green-colored screen requires less light as it reflects more. Many filmmakers use green screens because it is relatively cheaper.
Make the Subject Stand Six Feet Away From the Screen
When shooting a video with a green or blue screen, ensure the subject stands at least six feet away from the screen. Shadows on the background can make adding clean images or replacing the background difficult, so make sure props and subjects are placed at a distance.
A Film With Highest Bit-Rate
A higher bit rate is always better with a movie shot using a green screen. A higher bit rate allows the visual artist to eliminate the color green from the scenes. They are better able to alter it with effects and background.
Use Proper Lighting
When using a green color screen, it is highly advisable to brighten the background with proper lighting. It will help reduce green color spills in the video. You can use HMI Lights and Open-Faced Fixtures for illuminating the background.
Remove Motion Blur
The streaking of moving objects in a video is called motion blur. Movies or films with green screens have higher chances of getting motion blur. The motion blur can be removed in the post-production process. You can also eliminate motion blur by filming on a faster shutter.
Use the Right Software
The green color screen is removed or altered using dedicated software. So, when you try your luck with a green screen background, make sure you have the right software to alter the background images.
Ensure It’s Wrinkle Free
When using a green screen as your video background, make sure it is free from wrinkles. An uneven surface in the background could be hard to remove or alter with an image. It can create spills in the video and make the clip dull to look at.
Make Your Own Green Screen
Green screens are available in the market in different sizes and prices. You can always make your green screen by painting a wall. The color you choose for adding the green screen in your video should be fluorescent green.
It should not be too dark or light; otherwise, it won’t serve the purpose. If you don’t wish to paint the wall, you can always use poster board, muslin, and nylon green colored clothes as a background.
Most Common Green Screen Mistakes to Avoid
It is okay to make mistakes, but it is wise to avoid common mistakes. Knowing common mistakes can help prevent them if you are new to filmmaking.
You Forgot to Measure the Set
When setting up a green screen for your video, measure the area to be covered. Your entire shooting set may not require to be covered with a green background. But, the area that will be captured in the camera has to be in the green color.
You may also need to consider the type of shot you are likely to take. For instance, a wide shot may cover an extended background compared to a close-up shot. In short, you need to measure the area and add a green screen accordingly.
Subject Wearing Green Clothing and Accessory
When using a green color screen, make sure the subject is not wearing anything green in color. With a green screen, everything in green becomes a background. Make sure nothing is green in front of the screen for a perfect video.
There’s Too Much Light
Just as dim light is not appropriate to shoot a movie, too much light is also not advisable. Too much light may create green edges around the subject. It may also make the green color reflect on the subject’s skin, which may not look lovely again.
Slow Shutter Speed
Using a slow shutter speed with a green screen will blur your video. Blurs are challenging to remove in the post-production phase. Therefore, it is advisable to use a high shutter speed.
A green screen is a pocket-friendly option to shoot a professional video without investing much in the background. You can add live scenes in the background and even images to show pie charts for an informative video with a green screen.
You can do so much with a green screen, given you use the screen wisely. All the best! We hope the article will help you avoid the most common mistakes of using a green screen and create a lasting video.
