Heavy green screen in music video at DVinfo.net

Heavy green screen in music video · April 18th, 2012, 03:50 PM

We recently produced a music video where, in the ideas phase, we pitched an idea that was over our heads. We do this pretty frequently, to be honest. We make sure we have some idea of how to do an effect or trick, then pitch it in hopes that we are forced to learn it.

Risky, but we've enjoyed the kick in the pants so far.

With this video, we pitched a "Tangled"-like ending with dozens and dozens of Chinese sky lanterns floating off into the dark. Problem is, those things have a 5 minute burn time –*max. We had exactly four people on location for this shot, including talent. We realized it was going to have to all be in post.

So we green screened a few lanterns, a few balloons, and the artists themselves. We snagged a plate, dumped all the footage into AE, and 60 or so layers later, this was the result.

Honestly, we feel pretty good about it. I think it passes the sniff test for most people, at least on first watch. But we're trying to get better, even though we're total self-taught DIYers. We'd appreciate feed back on where the shots break down and the errors pop up. I'm aware of at least one goof in the final shot, but more constructive feedback is always welcome.

Thanks, guys and gals.

Charles Newcomb · April 18th, 2012, 05:32 PM

Great concept. Touching song. Nicely executed.

Chris Westerstrom · April 19th, 2012, 04:10 AM

that was awesome, well done

Ron Little · April 19th, 2012, 08:11 AM

I enjoyed that. Just curious what was the budget? I see you used a slider. Did you also have a crane?

David Lavender · April 19th, 2012, 08:57 AM

Thanks, Ron. As far as expenses go, it was pretty much a couple of tanks of helium, a package of balloons and a package of Chinese lanterns. We called in a few favors for locations. I think we spent less than $200.

There were a few slider shots. We had a Blackbird (glidecam) on hand, but I don't think we used it much, if at all. We didn't have a crane –*we just climbed to some interesting places to shoot from interesting angles.

Chris Barcellos · April 19th, 2012, 10:08 AM

Very nice video. Also love the "no fear" attitude. So many won't do anything unless they have the latest gear.

Ron Little · April 19th, 2012, 10:15 AM

Thank you for the breakdown. I think you did a great job. Did the artist like the video?

David Lavender · April 19th, 2012, 10:33 AM

Yes, Jenny and Tyler were happy with the video. They were very open to the whole thing and easy to work with, which made the experimentation less stressful. We're usually pretty open with people, and say, "Here's the safe and sure thing. Here's what we think we can do, though, and it could be way cooler. It could also look bad, and then we'll have to reevaluate."

If you haven't checked out directing duo The Daniels yet, I highly suggest looking up their work. They've moved on to bigger budgets now, but they made a name for themselves with really clever and huge ideas on a low budget. We stumbled across their work early on, devoured their behind the scenes videos, and learned a lot from them.

April 18th, 2012, 05:32 PM	#2
Charles Newcomb Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Salida, Colorado Posts: 561	Re: Heavy green screen in music video Great concept. Touching song. Nicely executed.

April 19th, 2012, 04:10 AM	#3
Chris Westerstrom Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden Posts: 259	Re: Heavy green screen in music video that was awesome, well done

April 19th, 2012, 08:11 AM	#4
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	Re: Heavy green screen in music video I enjoyed that. Just curious what was the budget? I see you used a slider. Did you also have a crane?

April 19th, 2012, 08:57 AM	#5
David Lavender Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 46	Re: Heavy green screen in music video Thanks, Ron. As far as expenses go, it was pretty much a couple of tanks of helium, a package of balloons and a package of Chinese lanterns. We called in a few favors for locations. I think we spent less than $200. There were a few slider shots. We had a Blackbird (glidecam) on hand, but I don't think we used it much, if at all. We didn't have a crane –*we just climbed to some interesting places to shoot from interesting angles.

April 19th, 2012, 10:08 AM	#6
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Re: Heavy green screen in music video Very nice video. Also love the "no fear" attitude. So many won't do anything unless they have the latest gear. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

April 19th, 2012, 10:15 AM	#7
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	Re: Heavy green screen in music video Thank you for the breakdown. I think you did a great job. Did the artist like the video?

April 19th, 2012, 10:33 AM	#8
David Lavender Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 46	Re: Heavy green screen in music video Yes, Jenny and Tyler were happy with the video. They were very open to the whole thing and easy to work with, which made the experimentation less stressful. We're usually pretty open with people, and say, "Here's the safe and sure thing. Here's what we think we can do, though, and it could be way cooler. It could also look bad, and then we'll have to reevaluate." If you haven't checked out directing duo The Daniels yet, I highly suggest looking up their work. They've moved on to bigger budgets now, but they made a name for themselves with really clever and huge ideas on a low budget. We stumbled across their work early on, devoured their behind the scenes videos, and learned a lot from them.