I have a project where we'd like to have the actors shot on a green screen then mixed with a backdrop. For the background we may either want a realistic 3D look or it may be a more fantasy type in which case we may want it to be more animation. I've done some basic chromakey work before but would definately want to hire someone to create the background. What skill set would I be looking for? Matte Artist, 3D-Animation, AE expert? Sorry if I'm using wrong terminologies but very new to this area. Also is there any source for purchasing stock backgrounds?

Still & Motion Stock Backgrounds:

Royalty Free Stock Video Footage | iStockphoto.com (http://www.istockphoto.com/video.php) - Standard stock site. About £100
Royalty-Free Stock Video, Sound Effects and Music | Pond5.com (http://www.pond5.com)
RevoStock: Affordable Stock Video Footage, After Effects Projects, Music and Sound Effects (http://www.revostock.com)

Lots of sites out there, other wise look for local artists and send some work their way.


http://www.stargatestudios.net - The Virtual Backlot

Hi Art. It really depends on what you are shooting/how you are shooting it and the look that you want to achieve. Do the actors interact with the background (ie. climb stairs, look out of a window, walk and turn a corner), then you probably need a 3D artist. Is the camera moving - you will need to do camera tracking for a 3D environment if so and shoot with exact tracking markers which can be quite challenging. If on the other hand you just have static shots with a background superimposed behind them then you will probably only need a Compositor/AE person. So I suppose what I'm really saying is that without exact details it's pretty impossible for anyone to give you any worthwhile advice/suggestions. The only other thing I would add is when you do decide which way to go employ the person as soon as possible and get their input on the shoot, you'll save yourself and them a lot of headaches (and money) in post.

Thanks for the tips! I did find some pretty cool stock backgrounds so maybe now just find someone with composite/AE skills. Thanks again.