Green screen video: a basic guide

What is a green screen?

We’ve all seen magic carpets in films and watched TV presenters walking around a ‘virtual’ background. Well, green screen (also known as chromo key) gives a similar effect. A presenter or subject stands in front of a large green background. The green colour can be removed later in production, allowing the subject to appear superimposed onto a separate background. A jungle. An ocean. A widget factory. Anywhere you like, really.

Why use green screen?

Talking direct to camera can be a little daunting in a workplace or in front of colleagues. At Leagus, we find that people are much happier talking in front of the green screen (it never smirks or makes rude remarks to colleagues). The footage is then added to a background or graphics later. All in all, it’s a great way of putting subjects at ease and allows for a more creative presentation.

What to wear

Well, you might have guessed it: don’t wear green!

Unless you’re going for a special effect (to be specific, missing body parts), your starring role in a green screen recording means that you’d better avoid wearing greens, browns and khaki. Just while the camera’s pointing at you, of course.

Lighting and space

The trickiest part of setting up a green screen is getting the lighting right and avoiding shadows. Ideally, you’ll need a large room to accommodate the screen and a high ceiling if you’re filming taller subjects. Our green screen is fully portable and can be used to film head and shoulders or the entire subject.

For an example of green screen in use, check out Asda, Beef Link