Question about Green Screen at DVinfo.net

Kevin Lewis · December 7th, 2010, 04:04 PM

When I shoot green screen I typically use a Westcott background which I belive is a polyester blend. I light it with two tota lights and I get great results. My next green screen shoot is at a studio where I will be filming against a hard green cyc wall. Will I need to light the screen in a different fashion since its a wall and not material, or can I use the tota's as a normally do?

Seth Bloombaum · December 7th, 2010, 07:06 PM

As you know, a tota is a little brute of a light - a very hard source.

A painted wall might be shinier than your usual screen, but you should be able to tell this as soon as you look through the camera. If there is a shine, you'd move the totas further out to the side so that the reflection isn't seen by the cam.

Think of a shinier screen as a mirror...

If you've been able to cut your keys successfully, and if you'll be shooting a similar shot, it should work fine.

December 7th, 2010, 04:04 PM	#1
Kevin Lewis Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa Posts: 705	Question about Green Screen When I shoot green screen I typically use a Westcott background which I belive is a polyester blend. I light it with two tota lights and I get great results. My next green screen shoot is at a studio where I will be filming against a hard green cyc wall. Will I need to light the screen in a different fashion since its a wall and not material, or can I use the tota's as a normally do?

December 7th, 2010, 07:06 PM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	As you know, a tota is a little brute of a light - a very hard source. A painted wall might be shinier than your usual screen, but you should be able to tell this as soon as you look through the camera. If there is a shine, you'd move the totas further out to the side so that the reflection isn't seen by the cam. Think of a shinier screen as a mirror... If you've been able to cut your keys successfully, and if you'll be shooting a similar shot, it should work fine. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.