Lighting A Green Screen Background
The most important aspect of filming on a green screen stage is making sure you have proper lighting. The purpose of this is to make sure that talent do not cast shadows on the green screen studio. Shadows tend to give dark spots on the final scene and are very hard to key in the editing process. There are some simple heads-up on how to properly light a green screen background.
First is of course set-up your green screen studio. You have to ensure that it is even and straight if you will be using Rosco green fabric or cloth. If you are going to be working with a hard cyc green screen, you will not have to concern yourself with any wrinkles. You do need to ensure the surface area is without dirt. You may be wondering the importance of this is. Any wrinkled fabric or footprints can cause shadows. And any shadow is not something we want to see in the green screen set.
After setting up your green screen set, you are now ready for the basic lighting. You maybe be thinking what lights will you use. There are so many lighting equipment out there that give us a wide selection of choices to pick from. Our lighting decision should be narrowed down by what we want to film and how we want to shoot it. Perhaps you need to record a glamor model or a live action shot. You might be shooting inside or outdoors. Or you may want to consider natural lighting or you prefer built-in. What it really comes down to is personal preference on which lights to utilize as long as you can achieve a desired effects. The location is also considered. When working in a small area taking photographs, you can use continuous lighting equipment. These type of lights don’t blow off and over saturate cameras. Flash lighting is advisable when working in a large workplace when taking photos. This can be incorporated with the help of umbrellas. The process operates by directing the lights into the opening of the photography umbrella which distributes a softer light on the subject. Whether you are shooting for a video or a film, a soft light is very important so as not to let it get concentrated on the subject. Harsh lights tend to create unattractive and stark environment. You can also use studio lights. These lights are bright and are optimal in eliminating shadows. Impressive results are often brought about by using studio lights being diffused by umbrellas. But be cautious in the handling of studio lights. They will get very hot and can cause a fire.
Well, as soon as you are certain which lights you are going to use, you can start positioning the lights. Place one light a few feet in front of the green screen which will solely serve as lighting for the subject. Position two other diffused lights on opposite sides of the stage. A diffuser light is like a lamp shade with a soft light and gives it off in all directions. These lights are best to be positioned five feet away from the green screen. Having direct lights from the right and left sides help eliminate shadows and act as backlight to the actor.
Once you are complete with setting up the lighting on the green screen studio, position your talent in front of the camera. Don’t forget to position your talent properly wherein they would not cast shadows on the green screen stage.
Now the next time you will be shooting on a green screen studio, you will know useful techniques to improve your work.
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