What is a Green Screen? How Does it Work & Why Is It Green?
Nowadays, the concept of virtual studios has become a trend. It develops along with the advancement of technology in filming and studio equipment to meet the needs of producing quality television programs or entertainment products.
An important link that determines the success or failure of virtual studios' role is the green background panels that we often call green screens. So what is the green screen? How important is it to the life of cinema, or more broadly, its influence on the audiovisual industry? Let's find out about the role of this powerful green cloth.
What is a Green Screen?
A green screen is a cloth that is often used as a background behind the actor's position. Expressed in simpler terms, it acts as a background, the actors will act on it. Then, people will use computer technology to remove the green background and combine it with another scene according to the story's context theme.
For example, in cinema, you can use the green screen effect to place yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower or inside the cockpit of a fighter jet. In addition, green screens are often used in weather reports and music videos.
Why is green the color of a green screen?
The green screen is a background made of a non-woven fabric that can eliminate light. There are many explanations surrounding the question "Why is it green?" and Mosyne would like to introduce some reference information to you.
According to the majority's explanation, green is a color that does not mix with any common colors, such as hair, human skin, and clothing.
According to the scientific explanation, in General Physics, people record a wavelength range from 0.34 to 0.76 Micrometers; the light that the human eye sees is from purple to red, beyond that limit are infrared and ultraviolet rays. Between those two distances, the human eye is most sensitive to green.
In fact, the camera lens is designed to be able to completely "lock" this Background object. In addition, objectively speaking, in sufficient lighting conditions, red and yellow can also be easily eliminated.
What is the role of the green screen?
How important the green screen is in the cinema? Let's list some examples as follows.
Save maximum filmmaking costs, for example, instead of having to move hundreds of people to the filming location, people can simulate it right on the set.
Green screen can help the director minimize the objective problems that arise during the filmmaking process. They also overcome the limitations that the real setting cannot meet the requirements of the script, such as weather, geography, politics, religion, and even historical context.
It helps directors to easily realize any idea, specifically fictional scenes in space, under the sea, or reconstructing historical images.
When did the green screen appear in the cinema?
The green screen appeared very early in the 1930s of the last century. However, until 1940, the green screen was successfully used in the famous film The Thief of Bagdad by director Michael Powell. In this film, the green screen was applied to the scene "Describing a genie coming out of a bottle." With this cinematic effect, the film won the Oscar that year with the nomination "Best Visual Effects Film."
After more than 80 years of existence and accompanying the development of human cinema, that small piece of cloth has not lost its important and decisive role. People even often joke that "Without the green screen, there is no concept of cinematography"
Yes! That saying is completely consistent with today's reality when we witness the explosion of computers or professional graphics applications. Green screen is still the key factor for the success of each idea, each film, each solution, no matter how comprehensive that solution is. To confirm the author's words are correct, please let's review the behind-the-scenes images of Hollywood blockbusters.
How does Green Screen work?
A green screen works by removing the background from an image. Green is often used as a color key because it is the color that contrasts most with human skin tone.
When you use a green screen, you will need to stand in front of the screen and make sure that no green light is reflecting off your skin. This can be done by using a diffuser or wearing clothes that do not reflect green light. Once you have set it up, you will need to take a photo or video with the background removed.
How to use Green Screen for video and photos?
So you want to start using it for your videos? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it!
Step 1. Choose the right location
When using a green screen, it is important to choose the right location. You need to make sure the backdrop is large enough to cover your entire body and has enough light. If you are shooting a video, you also need to make sure that the backdrop is placed in an area with minimal ambient light interference.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right location for your green screen:
Size: The backdrop should be at least 2m high and 3m wide
Color: When choosing a green screen, it is important to consider the color of the fabric. Most backdrops are green, but you can also find blue and black backdrops. Whether you choose a blue or green backdrop, remember to make sure that the backdrop is a different color to your clothing. This will help ensure that the backdrop is properly removed from your image.
Choose a location with plenty of natural light or set up studio lighting.
If you are using the backdrop in a location with very strong sunlight, use a diffuser to help soften the light.
Now that you know how to choose the right location, let’s move on to the next step!
Step 2. Setting up the lighting
Once you have chosen the right location and backdrop color, you will need to set up the lighting. Green screens require a lot of light, so it is important that you choose a location with plenty of natural light or set up studio lights. The goal is to make sure that there are no shadows on the backdrop.
If you are setting up studio lights, here are some tips:
Use three-point lighting: This means you will need two side lights and one back light.
The side light should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the backdrop.
The backlight should be placed behind the subject and facing the backdrop to brighten the background color.
Step 3. Setting up the Green Screen
Now that you have chosen the right location and set up the lighting for your backdrop! Here are some tips on how to set up:
Hang your backdrop material from a photo frame or use a backdrop hanger.
Make sure the backdrop is taut and free of wrinkles.
Use tape or clamps to secure the backdrop to a wall or floor to prevent it from moving while you’re filming or taking photos.
Set up studio lighting or use natural light.
If you’re using natural light, make sure the sun is in front of the backdrop (not behind it).
Take note of any shadows that may fall on the backdrop, so remember to adjust your lighting accordingly.
Step 4. Record a video or take photos
Once you’ve set it up, it’s time to start filming or taking photos! When it comes to shooting, there are a few things you need to remember. But first, let’s talk about choosing the right clothing for your scene.
When using a green screen, you should choose to wear clothing that does not reflect the green light. This can be done by wearing clothing of a different color or by using a diffuser. If you wear clothing that reflects the green light, the green background will show through and the effect will be ruined.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right clothing for your shoot and how to take photos or videos with a green screen:
Choose dark-colored clothing such as black, dark green, or brown.
Avoid wearing green or heavily patterned clothing.
If you wear a skirt or dress, make sure it is long enough to cover your legs.
Wear minimal jewelry and accessories.
If possible, use a tripod to keep your camera steady when filming or taking photos.
Make sure that the background is always visible in the frame.
Don't move too fast.
Experiment with angles and shoot from different angles.
Step 5. Editing Your Photo or Video
Now that you've taken a photo or recorded a green screen scene! To remove the background, you'll need to use a chroma key software or app. There are many different software and apps, but we recommend Adobe Photoshop or Adobe After Effects.
Here are some tips on how to edit your photo/video:
Cropping your photo/video: When you use a background, it's important to crop the photo or video so that there's no green light reflecting off your skin. You can do this in Photoshop or any other photo editing software.
Removing the background: To remove the background from a photo/video, you'll need to use a chroma key. This can be done in Adobe Premiere, iMovie, or any other video editing software.
Add a new background: You can add a new background to your photo or video using color keying. Experiment with different settings until you find a look you like.
Conclusion
Green screens have revolutionized video production and photography by enabling seamless background removal and digital compositing.
With the right approach, a green screen can elevate your creative projects, offering endless possibilities for dynamic content.