TRYING TO STAND OUT
Not all business owners / content creators have the space to create a nice backdrop to host their videos for social media, regardless of platform.
It begs the question, well what’s next?
Well your next option is to hire a venue, but this incurs regular hiring cost and availability issues.
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE
The requirement for quality and consistency with budget in mind.
A client we are working with is facing the same issues, they want to create consistent high-quality content that represents them as a brand and who they are as a person. The saving grace here is the humble green screen. This technique is not new and has been around for quite some time, however, it can help provide the consistency, availability.
A green screen empowers businesses and content creators with the freedom to overcome certain physical limitations. It's a cost-effective and versatile tool that opens a world of creative possibilities. With a green screen, you can instantly transport your audience to any location or setting, all from the comfort of your own space.
So, what is a green screen and how can it help?
A green screen, also known as a chroma key screen, is a key tool in filmmaking and video production. It's a solid green or blue background used during filming, which can be replaced with other images or backgrounds during the editing process.
The primary purpose of a green screen is to separate the subject (usually actors or objects) from the background, allowing for the integration of different visual elements into the scene. This technique is known as chroma keying.
Business owners can take advantage of green screens in various ways to enhance their marketing and communication strategies:
Professional Video Production: Green screens allow businesses to create high-quality, professional video content without the need for elaborate sets. This can be used for promotional videos, training materials, product demonstrations, and more.
Flexibility and Creativity: Green screens offer the flexibility to change backgrounds at will, making it easier to convey different settings, moods, or themes in a video. Businesses can customise their video content to suit their brand or message.
Cost-Effective: Using a green screen can be a cost-effective alternative to shooting on location or building intricate sets. It saves time and money while still delivering visually appealing results.
Consistency: Businesses can ensure brand consistency by using green screens for video marketing. The same background, branding elements, or messaging can be maintained across various videos, creating a unified look and feel.
Armed with our understanding of the green screen its important to remember that the best results come from those who put the most effort in. Whilst green screen in its concept is simple in practice, we still need to do our due diligence in making sure that the key components are right so that we get the best consistent result.
PROOF IN THE PUDDING
The two YouTube videos below are one we created for the client and the second discusses how we helped the client from start to finish. Both videos use green screen.
VIDEO CREATED FOR CLIENT
HOW WE CREATED THE CLIENT VIDEO
To harness the basic potential of a green screen, it's essential to grasp the following critical aspects:
These foundational principles of green screen are the stepping stones to creating content that captivates and impresses. Keep in mind that the devil is in the details, and the more meticulous you are, the more spectacular your final product will be. These foundational principles of green screen are the stepping stones to creating content that captivates and impresses. Keep in mind that the devil is in the details, and the more meticulous you are, the more spectacular your final product will be.
Proper Lighting
Achieving a seamless green screen effect hinges on impeccable lighting. The green screen itself should be bathed in consistent, even illumination, distinct from the lighting for the actor. This separation of lighting ensures that during post-production, the green background can be effortlessly removed, leaving room for creative enhancements.
Actor's Lighting
Simultaneously, the actor must receive well-thought-out lighting, independent of the green screen. This arrangement is pivotal in preventing any harsh shadows from the actor that might compromise the quality of the keying process. By carefully controlling the actor's lighting, you can ensure they seamlessly blend into the virtual world you're creating.
Maintaining Distance
To avoid any spill of green light onto the actor, it's advisable to position the actor at a minimum distance of 5-10 feet from the green screen. This spacing serves a dual purpose: it minimizes the risk of green reflections on the actor and mitigates any shadows the actor might cast on the green background. The result is a cleaner and more professional-looking final product.
Post-Production Mastery
In your video editing software, you'll wield the power to select and remove the green colour, effectively creating a mask. This mask allows you to seamlessly replace the green background with your chosen images or videos, turning your creative vision into a reality.
However, we are taking this further and create a sense of realism.
Now, having grasped the essentials of green screen, let's delve into how we are transforming our clients' visions and how you can seamlessly integrate this remarkable tool into your business. Our journey begins with understanding your business, its core functions, the content you aim to craft, and the ultimate purpose behind it. Furthermore, we explore the emotions, ambiance, and visual aesthetics you wish to convey to your audience.
Imagine, for instance, you aspire to create a tranquil setting. For one of our recent clients, this vision came to life in a serene office overlooking a pristine beach. Our secret ingredient? Artificial Intelligence.
Here's the prompt we employed to generate the perfect image:
Prompt: “Tranquil background. We are in a rustic office. Tungsten lighting wall lights and lamps. Back wall has big windows, and it is looking out to the beach on a sunny day. 85mm camera lens. Viewpoint is 3 meters inside the room looking out. Sun light is 5600 kelvin --ar 16:9”
BLENDING
Once we've found the ideal image, we move on to the crucial aspect of lighting. After all, there's nothing worse than a green screen subject that feels out of place.
To address this, we meticulously examine the lighting within the chosen image, considering the source of light, the types of lighting fixtures used, the colour temperature, and the interplay of light and shadows.
Our goal is to harmonise the lighting for your subject with the background, ensuring that the two seamlessly blend during post-production. This cohesiveness not only enhances the visual appeal but also communicates your commitment to delivering top-notch quality to your audience.
EXAMPLE CLIENT WORK
DAVINCI RESOLVE
After the hustle and bustle of the on-set production, as cameras wrap up their work and clients fulfil their roles, the magic of post-production comes into play. At Datrysiad Media, our tool of choice for this intricate process is Davinci Resolve Studio, a software that excels in the art of compositing and editing.
GREEN SCREEN REMOVAL
Our journey in post-production begins by addressing the green screen footage. Our meticulous attention on set pays off at this stage, as we strive to minimise any green screen spill or bleeding that might occur. This preparatory step ensures that our raw material is as clean as possible before we dive into the editing suite.
With the green screen successfully keyed out, we embark on the exciting phase of replacing the vacant backdrop with the AI-selected image. However, even with impeccable on-set preparation, there's still a need to fine-tune the final composition.
To achieve a harmonious and cohesive result, we align the exposure of both the subject and the background. This involves adjustments to colour temperature, saturation, contrast, and other essential parameters to create a seamless fusion.
EXPOSURE MATCH
COLOUR MATCH
But our commitment to perfection doesn't stop there. To add a layer of authenticity and depth, we replicate the natural phenomenon known as depth of field. In films and television series, this technique is employed to direct the audience's focus, creating a realistic visual experience.
Just as our eyes naturally adjust focus, so does our camera lens. Consequently, when a subject is in focus, the background should appear slightly blurred. We also add additional blending techniques, soft light to help light wrap around the subject from the environment, film grain and other subtle touches to help make a great image.
BEFORE
AFTER
After all the elements have fallen into place
Our clients find themselves with a video setting that's not just visually impressive, but a true representation of their business and personal brand. This consistent approach isn't just about producing videos; it's a transformative journey towards achieving your unique business goals. It's worth noting that the first video always takes a bit more time and effort. It's in this initial step where we lay the foundation for what will eventually become your content template. This is where the magic happens, setting the stage for a future of limitless possibilities.
The ultimate outcome is liberation from the constraints of your home or office space. With your newfound creative environment, you can precisely craft the visual atmosphere you want your viewers to experience. More importantly, you'll have content that you can take pride in, content that tells your story and captures your audience's imagination. This journey isn't just about creating videos; it's about creating your brand's identity. It's about leaving a lasting impression, connecting with your audience, and achieving your business objectives. By embracing the power of this creative process, you unlock the ability to shape your narrative, influence your audience, and showcase your business in the best possible light.
So, as you embark on this path, remember that the first video may be the most challenging, but it's the cornerstone upon which you'll build a wealth of engaging content. With each video, you refine your approach, align your branding, and elevate your business to new heights. Your creative journey is a transformative one, and the possibilities are boundless. If you're intrigued by the concept of the green screen and how it can help your business, then it's time to explore Datrysiad Media, we're here to guide you. Contact us today to delve deeper and discover how this approach can elevate your business, maximise your ideas, and provide lasting value in the ever-evolving landscape of digital content.
ABOUT ME
My name is Byron Phillips and I run Datrysiad Media.
Datrysiad Media is a video production company based in Cardiff. We help businesses with their pain problems and communicate their stories.
We are a full-service video production that can handle every aspect of the video production process. Creating high-quality video content that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
