How To Create a Simple Green Screen

A green screen, also known as a chroma key, is a technique that involves filming a person in front of a green backdrop, which allows you to replace or ‘key out’ the background with a different one in post-production. It is commonly used in films and TV shows, but it can also be used by beginners to produce fun and creative videos. Here are some useful tips to help you create a perfect green screen setup, similar to the one we created in our studio in Hertfordshire.

Green Screen set up in our studio in Hertfordshire

Green Screen

You can purchase a green screen backdrop online or at a photography store. Alternatively, you can create your own green screen by painting a wall or hanging a green cloth. Make sure the green colour is even and does not have any wrinkles; a matte finish also helps to eliminate any shine and ensures that the green screen remains a smooth colour.

Lighting

Lighting is crucial when it comes to green screen set ups. You want to make sure that the green screen is evenly lit, without any shadows or hot spots. Ideally, you would be using two or three lights to achieve this. Place one light on either side of the green screen, and a third light in front of you, facing downwards. This will create soft and even lighting on your face and body. It is important that the green screen is lit well so that replacing the background in post becomes a lot easier and quicker.

Filming

To ensure the best results when filming a green screen, use a high-quality camera that can capture fine details and colours accurately. This will make it easier to key out the green screen later. Also remember to set the white balance to match the lighting on your green screen. Finally, make sure that you do not wear any clothing that is the same colour as the green screen, as this will cause parts of your body to disappear when editing.

Editing

You can use software such as Adobe Premiere Pro to replace the green screen background. Once you have your footage in the editing software, locate the chroma key effect tool. This allows you to select the green colour in the footage and replace it with any background of your choice. Select the colour range of the green screen, and adjust the settings to ensure that the green screen is entirely removed. Then, insert the desired background, image or video, behind the subject. Finally, refine the edges around the subject, adjusting transparency, colour grading, and other post-production techniques to achieve a natural look.