Ready at last! The shoot is over! But then comes the big surprise: almost no scene can be used and it takes a lot of energy and nerves to make something respectable out of it.
Subsequent editing of the video is a matter of course, especially in green screen production. However, with a few little tricks at the beginning you can save valuable hours in post-production! In this article, you will find out what you should look out for when setting up your green screen studio, what special features there are for the props and how to set up the lighting optimally.
Pay attention to the green screen background
A green screen offers you incredible possibilities. However, only if it can be easily replaced by the desired image or video. In her green screen studio, it is essential to have a background that is as homogeneous as possible, i.e. a uniform shade of green without spots, shadows and wrinkles.
There are many different ways to set up your green screen studio and it starts with the choice of green screen itself. The most common and most cost-effective option is to hang a green fabric in the background. However, it is important to ensure that as few creases as possible form. The choice of fabric is crucial here. An inexpensive and lightweight fabric wrinkles more quickly. You should also pay attention to how the fabric is fastened: If the fabric is hung high, the weight of the fabric itself automatically ensures fewer creases. Of course, enough staples or ropes should also be used to tighten the fabric.
A simple alternative are oval or round green screen backgrounds, which unfold themselves like a throwing tent. This technique results in very few creases and this solution is also easily portable. The disadvantage here is that these green screens are only available in small sizes.
Last but not least, there is a third type of green screen: a wall painted green. This has the clear advantage that no creases can form. However, there may also be small stains or cracks on the wall, which can be a problem when editing videos. Green paint is available in most green screen studios for this purpose, or you can also make do with green adhesive tape. Important: It must be exactly the same shade of green as the green screen!
Be careful with the props in your studio
No green! It seems obvious and yet the mistake is made all too often. When creating your setting, you should avoid using bright green for both props and clothing. Plants as decoration are also rather unsuitable for setting up your green screen studio. For example, a plain dark green armchair will not cause any problems.
What many people don’t know and therefore don’t pay attention to: you should avoid reflective objects. For example, a green reflection on a metal base of a piece of furniture can lead to major problems during post-processing, as this reflection cannot be easily removed. If you are unsure, check whether there are green reflections on the objects before filming.
Another little tip: if a green floor is not needed, cover it with a carpet or other floor covering or fabric. This is because a green floor also reflects a green light. A slight green tint may appear on the person, which looks unnatural.
Set up lighting correctly for the person
If you have followed our tips on the best set-up by then and have both smoothed out wrinkles and checked your props, it is easy to make mistakes with the lighting. Shadows and an unevenly lit green screen make post-production extremely difficult. To avoid this, the green screen and the setting should be illuminated completely separately.
First set the lighting as usual. Important here: Keep the final scene in mind! Will the final scene take place in a desert? Then illuminate the performers with the appropriate light. However, if an interior scene is being filmed, then the lighting should also be adapted accordingly.
You should also pay attention to the arrangement of the spotlights, as illustrated in the following diagram:
If the spotlights are too close together, as shown in the graphic on the left, the person casts shadows on the green screen. This can be easily avoided by setting up the spotlights further apart and changing the angle of the spotlights so that the shadows are outside the camera’s field of view.
Illuminate the green screen separately
Once the person has been illuminated, the green screen itself must of course be illuminated. The aim should be to illuminate it as evenly as possible. Spotlights with very diffuse light are best suited for this purpose. Always use at least two spotlights. Ideally, these should also be of the same model. This ensures that the color temperature and intensity of the light are homogeneous.
Position the spotlights on both sides so that they only illuminate the green screen and not the person themselves. It is advisable to place the person as far away from the green screen as possible. A distance of at least 2.50 meters is ideal and creates a clear separation between the person and the background.
The perfect setup of your green screen studio is complete!
The aim is to create a green background that is as homogeneous as possible so that it can be easily replaced. The material of the green screen, but also the lighting, is crucial for this. Bright green and shiny surfaces should also be avoided for furniture and props. Even if it seems complicated and a lot to consider when setting up your studio, it’s worth the work and the person responsible for post-production will thank you for it.
Your perfect green screen studio is ready for filming!
