What is a Green Screen?
A green screen by definition is a green background in front of which moving subjects are filmed and which allows a separately filmed background to be added to the final image. By using editing software in post-production, standing in front of one will allow you to change the image that is behind the subject.
Fun Fact: The green was invented in 1896 when George Albert Smith used a black sheet to make objects look as though they were disappearing.
Examples
This video by Brandon Fate gives examples of what a green screen is used for:
It shows you some great examples of what can be done such as the flying car example. He used a drone to get the footage from high above, then used a green screen to add the footage to the background. He even gives you a quick tutorial on how it’s done!
Green and Blue Screens
Hollywood is somewhere green screens are commonly used. They may even use blue screens, as well. The reason for the colors blue and green being used is that they don’t match skin tones. This is important if you don’t want your subject to disappear too! You also don’t normally see people wearing neon green This is also a big no-no when it comes to standing in front of a green screen. The same goes for wearing blue in front of a blue screen. (Unless you want to be a floating head.) The two work exactly the same but still have some differences.
Green Screen
- This type is easier for digital cameras to pick up and requires less lighting, but you may get more spills on the images.
Blue Screen
- This type is best if you want a cleaner shot with less spill, but requires more lighting. The best use for it is during the night.
These are some examples of popular films you watch that implement the use of a green/blue screen. You may not even realize it!
They aren’t just useful when it comes to movies though. This video shows what Sound and Vision Media of Boston can help you create for your everyday businesses.
Sound and Vision Media of Boston Examples
Overall, it’s always amazing to see how much work goes into video production and how everyone must work as a team to get projects created.
