I have a green screen job coming up in the next couple of days and would appreciate any recommendations, which format, which would be best: 1920 50i, 1920 25p or 720 50p? The final output will be to both Bluray and SD DVD. Unfortunately I have to record to SxS and cannot go directlly to the computer.

Thanks in advance,

Geoff

Green screen editing is best done using progressive material. As to 1920/25p vs. 720/50p, I'd use the former (even though some say that down-converting is easier from the 720p format).

Personally, I deliver all my stuff in both SD DVD and BD formats, and acquiring in 1920/25p proved to be optimal for these purposes.

Use 1920 x 1080 - This gives you maximum resolution to work with. Personally I prefer to shoot progressive (25p).

Pay attention to proper lighting on the greenscreen, this is rather crucial. Also try to have your talent/interviewee/actor placed well in front of the greenscreen to avoid direct spill light.

Keying out the green screen shouldn't give any problems at all. Did many greenscreen recordings with my EX1 (and FCP).


Regards,
Erwin

What are you gonna shoot? Simple plain interview or a full feature action movie?

In most (if not all) cases shooting progressive is the way to go when keying is part of post. It will give you clearer 'edges' than interlaced footage when the subject is moving.

(Wow, 3 replies from the Netherlands in a row!)

Thanks guys.

You have confirmed my own inclination, although I have to say that I prefer 50p to 25p. This will be a simple talking head/interview situation and I will be using the Reflectamedia screen and LED light system; it may now be possible to record directly into the editing PC (using Edius) so this will avoid MPEG nasties.

Cheers again,

Geoff

I have/use the LED system as well, already a dozen of times with both XDCAM and HDV codes, works perfectly. Keep in mind to have a certain distance between the LED's and the subject to avoid green spill...