Techniques: How To Use Green Screen

By Phil Guye

The Green Screen Technique, refers to the mixing of video or photographic photographs shot in 2 different locations, with one serving as a background to the actor in the foreground giving a feeling that the actor is really, physically in that location. This process involves removal of one color to bring in another image which serves as a background for the topic.

The term Green Screen Technique is used because the green color is popularly used as a background since digital video cameras are equipped with image sensors which are much more sensitive to this color than other colors. This offers the cleanest mask, apart from the other facility of smaller light needed to light up a green screen which is also due to the image sensors' higher sensitiveness to this color. Green Screen methodology is employed in several scifi, action, and horror films which require a large number of effects to produce the illusion of transporting us to the world and times in which the story is working with.

Green Screen Technique is a boon to the cameramen, as he doesn't need to bother himself anymore about the background, as the screen itself is a short lived backdrop, which can be employed to play with colors and designs, and make virtually anything a reality. In fact it offers a great flexibleness to photographers, to bring their creativeness in making superb backgrounds and transport you to a legendary place and time in a most convincing demeanor.

Green Screen Technique is favored by professional filmmakers and photographers. Aside from being useful for movie makers, particularly those that are dealing with science fiction and horror films, which require lot of effects, this system is also utilized for still photography in print media and on the web. For portrait photography, this strategy is most useful. It could also serve as an aid for study room dissemination of technical information, and photography hobbyists can use this technique to experiment with their creativity. You may substitute the green screen with a solid coloured, flat sheet, but since green is an essential color in the background, the sheet should also usually be green. After filming, in the post production stage you can dump the green background thru special software and bring in a new image which is married to the subject you have filmed, which gives a superb feel of being in different milieu or times altogether.

Some significant factors on Green Screen methodology which should be remembered while using this Green screen Technique include proper lighting, and cameras of prime quality which can create sorcery through the green screen. Note that if you're using lighting in a non-professional demeanour, your product will end up with different shades and shadows on the screen. Green Screen Technique is being extensively utilized in commercial photography and film making these days, and with a number of software, you can bring your creativity into full play with this help. - 29967

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