Hollywood studios use green screen to create all kinds of incredible special effects. Your local weatherperson uses it to look like they're standing in front of a cool weather map.
Making Your Own DIY Green Screen Stand. Instead of buying a green screen stand I came up with my own DIY green screen stand using 1/2″ PVC pipe and connectors, all for a little more than $10 at my local home improvement store. If you want to create your own, here's a video tutorial showing how I did it. Affordable Green Screen Kits. Before we dive into the DIY setups, it's worth mentioning that simple green screen kits are cheaper than ever. When I was in college, the 'YouTube' green screen kits were not available, so I frequently had to DIY my own. The truth is, these modern kits are going to be better than most DIY setups.
But you don't have to be a big-shot movie director or even a local TV station to enjoy the many benefits green screen (or, as it's technically called — chroma key) offers.
In fact, all you need to make a professional-quality green screen video is a smartphone or webcam, some fabric, good video editing software, and a little know-how.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. Before we get started on the how, let's talk about the what and why.
What exactly is a green screen, and why would you ever want to use a green screen effect in your video?
What is green screen?
Using green screen in video replaces the background of a video with a digital or virtual background. It offers the most natural-looking way to integrate your subject into your video.
Instead of putting each visual element in its own frame (a la picture-in-picture), green screen lets you blend them. In fact, done correctly, you would never suspect they were two separate video streams.
In the most technical terms, green screen, blue screen, chroma key, chroma key compositing all refer to the same idea. Regardless of what you call it, it's a post-production technique for compositing (layering) two images or video streams together based on color hues (chroma range).
In layperson's terms, it's superimposing one image or video stream over another so it looks like one image or stream.
Newscasting, motion picture, and video game industries love this technique, but anyone can use the green screen effect.
Given the current working conditions of most people during the global pandemic, it's a safe bet you've had a Zoom meeting or two with coworkers or others who've had cool virtual backgrounds. Green screen is really the same concept, but will typically provide a more professional result.
Green screen has come a long way since Lawrence Butler won an academy award for his special effects in the 1940 film The Thief of Bagdad.
Back then, the process was quite complex. Adding green screen required a lot of time and highly specialized equipment.
Now, you can easily do it in the comfort of your own home with minimal equipment and technical skills.
Make professional-quality videos — no pro skills required!
Download a free trial of Camtasia and see how easy it can be to create amazing videos.
Why use green screen?
As noted above, you've likely seen a meteorologist use a green screen to report the weather. Meteorologists stand in front of the green screen point out specific parts of the forecast. But the green screen does more than provide clarity. It also allows them to personalize their broadcast and connect to their viewers.
Although you may not be detailing cold fronts from your desk, I'd bet you still have opportunities to connect with an audience at work. A green screen is a great option for adding a personal touch to lots of different types of videos.
Consider using it the next time you need to:
Chroma key (remember, that's green screen's 'technical name') is a big deal for anyone who needs to connect with viewers. When done well, a green screen can give your video a professional aesthetic on the cheap.Create an online training video by superimposing yourself over all or just part of the lesson. This is an instant upgrade over talking through a PowerPoint presentation — and it's way more impressive than just doing picture-in-picture with your webcam.
Whether you want to make it look like you (or your video subject) is on the moon or an African safari — or you just want to obscure the drab or uninspiring walls of your office or home studio, green screen makes it easy.
And, you don't need to build a fancy set or rent studio time. You can shoot your video anywhere and replace the background with a branded graphic, stock photo, or video element.
In fact, TechSmith Assets for Camtasia offers a huge library of potential backgrounds you can use!
How to create your own green screen background
To pull off this technique, all you need is a few things: A green or blue piece of cloth/fabric, a camera, lights, and some video editing software.
Step 1: Get a backdrop
First, get a piece of muslin cloth that's a bright shade of green.
Avoid a color that matches your skin tone so you don't blend into your background.
Blue screen backdrops are also available, but they can cause problems if the person on camera has blue eyes or clothes. If you don't want to mess around with hanging a cloth, a collapsible green screen panel is a nice option.
This example from Amazon includes both a green and blue collapsible screen.
Since it's not too big (5′ x 7′), it's perfect for when you need to travel for a shoot. We'll discuss shadows and more when we get into lighting. But for now, remember to stand as close to the backdrop as you can without casting a shadow on it. This is usually around two or three feet. Also, make sure to keep your hands close to your body. Any part of your arm or hand that extends past the backdrop will look cut off in your final video.
Step 2: Pick your camera
Next, you'll want to pick a camera or webcam that shoots HD quality video (720p or higher) at a decent frame rate (24 fps or above). Make sure your camera saves out files in a format your green screen software can import. We've had good success using an iPhone, but most any digital camcorder will work.
Build Your Own Green Screen Kits Hobby Lobby
No matter what camera you choose, Camtasia makes it easy to import your video and make your edits.
When you're just starting out, recording footage on your smartphone might seem daunting. We've put together some tips and advice for shooting videos on your mobile device. We cover everything you need to know about audio, shot composition, and lighting.
Step 3: Set up your lighting
The next step is optional but recommended. It may take a little trial and error to get it right, but you'll love the results.
Shadows can be the enemy of great green screen video, so you want to be sure your background is as well-lit as possible. Use a flat green background. The flatter the green, the easier it will be to remove the screen.
Don't worry too much about getting a perfectly lit set, though. The Remove a Color effect in Camtasia is quite forgiving of background shadows. Spend a few minutes tweaking the settings and you should be good.
More advanced lighting for green screen
If you're having trouble getting the background to disappear or there's a slight halo around the person, try to upgrade your lighting. The more even your lighting, the better the effect will be.
The easiest thing to try is a couple of hardware store clamp-on work lights with high-output LED bulbs. You'll also need something to clamp them on. Aim the lights so that the green screen doesn't have dark areas or bright areas. Focus your efforts on the area directly behind the person you're shooting. You'll be able to crop out the excess space later.
To throw a lot of light, you need a few bulbs in each fixture. You could build your own video lighting rig for less than $100 (see video below). Or if you're not into DIY projects, you can shop around for a video softbox. CowboyStudio is a good place to start. Look for 'continuous lighting' as opposed to flash or strobe lighting.
Whether you buy or build, it's best to use a diffusion filter for each light. That will help keep your lights from throwing shadows.
This quick video shows you how to build your own lighting kit on the cheap.
(You can also get a few tips of the trade for making your subjects look more natural.)
Not seeing the video? Watch it on YouTube…
Step 4: Get the right software
In the Camtasia video editor, you can remove your green screen with just a few clicks. In fact, Camtasia 2020 makes it easier than ever to create professional-quality videos — no pro skills required.
From easy-to-use and share video templates and themes to a wide variety of assets and resources to help you on your way, Camtasia 2020 takes the guesswork out of video creation and puts you and your team at ease.
Anyone can make a green screen video
Green screen video may seem intimidating and difficult, but with the right tools and a few tips and tricks, anyone can master this useful technique. Whether you're making videos for 5 or 5,000 people, they'll be amazed at the professional quality and engaging experience green screen provides.
Make professional-quality videos — no pro skills required!
Download a free trial of Camtasia and see how easy it can be to create amazing videos.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in May 2012 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Related Posts:
Green screen (or chroma keying) is eliminating a green background and replacing it with whatever you want.
Gamers or those creating online webinars will set up a green screen for that extra professional touch. Green screen equipment doesn't have to cost you a lot of money; you can get set up and start using chroma key quickly, without breaking the bank.
START WITH THIS FREE SOFTWARE
I recommend that you use Open Broadcasting Software (It's free) for creating webinars and video game tutorials with your green screen.
I personally use a green screen for my webinars and some web videos for affiliate marketing. Sell more this holiday season with email. I love using a green screen with my videos because of the professional look that it gives. I add these videos to my websites, facebook page or email marketing to add that extra marketing push.
DON'T SPEND A LOT OF MONEY
When finding a green screen kit for your office or home you don't have to spend a lot of money.
This is so important.
The kits that I am listing below are not 'professional' kits! I wouldn't use them for a video studio (If I was adding a green screen to a video studio, I would use green screen paint. It's a more permanent option). Though I wouldn't use them for a studio, they are excellent for your home or office.
BEGIN WITH A GREAT WEBCAM
Before you start using a green screen you want to make sure that you have a good webcam that will work well with chroma key.
I recommend using the Logitech C930e 1080P HD Video Webcam.
I've been using this webcam for some time now and love using it. The clarity is incredible, and it gives me a beautiful crisp image which is perfect for using a green screen. This is probably one of the best Alright, let's talk green screens.I want to give to you four excellent green screen kits that are my recommendations if you're planning on setting up a green screen in your home or office.
Neewer Large Video and Photography Green Screen Kit
The Neewer Video and Photography green screen kit (Click Here to check out the latest products on Amazon) comes with an 8.5 x 10-foot support stand and a 10 x 20 backdrop. This kit is light and easy to carry. It's perfect for using it on location, and the convenient carrying cases make it ideal for travelling. The backdrops are made of 100% Muslin; the Cotton fabric is plain weave, and you can machine wash them if you wish.
The kit comes with three muslins colors: green, black and white.It also comes with a stand to hold the muslins in place.What's included? Two white umbrellas and stands, the umbrellas are used to soften the light and broaden its reach. The umbrellas are fantastic for photography, and the bulbs are designed to produce a natural daylight look.
The two softboxes are used to give you an even distribution of light and a crisp, cleaner shot.
Build Your Own Green Screen Kits Do-it-yourself
This might not be the best good kit for those that are looking to create large productions, but for beginners and for around the home or office – this kit is perfect.It's an affordable kit that will get you started with adding green screen to your videos. It's easy to set up and perfect for traveling. I own this kit and love it. I use it in my basement for doing the odd webinar and I have no complaints.
It's not a super strong construction, but it gets the job done.
ePhoto 10 x 20 Muslin Chromakey Green Screen Kit
Build Your Own Green Screen Kits Free
Make professional-quality videos — no pro skills required!
Download a free trial of Camtasia and see how easy it can be to create amazing videos.
Why use green screen?
As noted above, you've likely seen a meteorologist use a green screen to report the weather. Meteorologists stand in front of the green screen point out specific parts of the forecast. But the green screen does more than provide clarity. It also allows them to personalize their broadcast and connect to their viewers.
Although you may not be detailing cold fronts from your desk, I'd bet you still have opportunities to connect with an audience at work. A green screen is a great option for adding a personal touch to lots of different types of videos.
Consider using it the next time you need to:
Chroma key (remember, that's green screen's 'technical name') is a big deal for anyone who needs to connect with viewers. When done well, a green screen can give your video a professional aesthetic on the cheap.Create an online training video by superimposing yourself over all or just part of the lesson. This is an instant upgrade over talking through a PowerPoint presentation — and it's way more impressive than just doing picture-in-picture with your webcam.
Whether you want to make it look like you (or your video subject) is on the moon or an African safari — or you just want to obscure the drab or uninspiring walls of your office or home studio, green screen makes it easy.
And, you don't need to build a fancy set or rent studio time. You can shoot your video anywhere and replace the background with a branded graphic, stock photo, or video element.
In fact, TechSmith Assets for Camtasia offers a huge library of potential backgrounds you can use!
How to create your own green screen background
To pull off this technique, all you need is a few things: A green or blue piece of cloth/fabric, a camera, lights, and some video editing software.
Step 1: Get a backdrop
First, get a piece of muslin cloth that's a bright shade of green.
Avoid a color that matches your skin tone so you don't blend into your background.
Blue screen backdrops are also available, but they can cause problems if the person on camera has blue eyes or clothes. If you don't want to mess around with hanging a cloth, a collapsible green screen panel is a nice option.
This example from Amazon includes both a green and blue collapsible screen.
Since it's not too big (5′ x 7′), it's perfect for when you need to travel for a shoot. We'll discuss shadows and more when we get into lighting. But for now, remember to stand as close to the backdrop as you can without casting a shadow on it. This is usually around two or three feet. Also, make sure to keep your hands close to your body. Any part of your arm or hand that extends past the backdrop will look cut off in your final video.
Step 2: Pick your camera
Next, you'll want to pick a camera or webcam that shoots HD quality video (720p or higher) at a decent frame rate (24 fps or above). Make sure your camera saves out files in a format your green screen software can import. We've had good success using an iPhone, but most any digital camcorder will work.
Build Your Own Green Screen Kits Hobby Lobby
No matter what camera you choose, Camtasia makes it easy to import your video and make your edits.
When you're just starting out, recording footage on your smartphone might seem daunting. We've put together some tips and advice for shooting videos on your mobile device. We cover everything you need to know about audio, shot composition, and lighting.
Step 3: Set up your lighting
The next step is optional but recommended. It may take a little trial and error to get it right, but you'll love the results.
Shadows can be the enemy of great green screen video, so you want to be sure your background is as well-lit as possible. Use a flat green background. The flatter the green, the easier it will be to remove the screen.
Don't worry too much about getting a perfectly lit set, though. The Remove a Color effect in Camtasia is quite forgiving of background shadows. Spend a few minutes tweaking the settings and you should be good.
More advanced lighting for green screen
If you're having trouble getting the background to disappear or there's a slight halo around the person, try to upgrade your lighting. The more even your lighting, the better the effect will be.
The easiest thing to try is a couple of hardware store clamp-on work lights with high-output LED bulbs. You'll also need something to clamp them on. Aim the lights so that the green screen doesn't have dark areas or bright areas. Focus your efforts on the area directly behind the person you're shooting. You'll be able to crop out the excess space later.
To throw a lot of light, you need a few bulbs in each fixture. You could build your own video lighting rig for less than $100 (see video below). Or if you're not into DIY projects, you can shop around for a video softbox. CowboyStudio is a good place to start. Look for 'continuous lighting' as opposed to flash or strobe lighting.
Whether you buy or build, it's best to use a diffusion filter for each light. That will help keep your lights from throwing shadows.
This quick video shows you how to build your own lighting kit on the cheap.
(You can also get a few tips of the trade for making your subjects look more natural.)
Not seeing the video? Watch it on YouTube…
Step 4: Get the right software
In the Camtasia video editor, you can remove your green screen with just a few clicks. In fact, Camtasia 2020 makes it easier than ever to create professional-quality videos — no pro skills required.
From easy-to-use and share video templates and themes to a wide variety of assets and resources to help you on your way, Camtasia 2020 takes the guesswork out of video creation and puts you and your team at ease.
Anyone can make a green screen video
Green screen video may seem intimidating and difficult, but with the right tools and a few tips and tricks, anyone can master this useful technique. Whether you're making videos for 5 or 5,000 people, they'll be amazed at the professional quality and engaging experience green screen provides.
Make professional-quality videos — no pro skills required!
Download a free trial of Camtasia and see how easy it can be to create amazing videos.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in May 2012 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Related Posts:
Green screen (or chroma keying) is eliminating a green background and replacing it with whatever you want.
Gamers or those creating online webinars will set up a green screen for that extra professional touch. Green screen equipment doesn't have to cost you a lot of money; you can get set up and start using chroma key quickly, without breaking the bank.
START WITH THIS FREE SOFTWARE
I recommend that you use Open Broadcasting Software (It's free) for creating webinars and video game tutorials with your green screen.
I personally use a green screen for my webinars and some web videos for affiliate marketing. Sell more this holiday season with email. I love using a green screen with my videos because of the professional look that it gives. I add these videos to my websites, facebook page or email marketing to add that extra marketing push.
DON'T SPEND A LOT OF MONEY
When finding a green screen kit for your office or home you don't have to spend a lot of money.
This is so important.
The kits that I am listing below are not 'professional' kits! I wouldn't use them for a video studio (If I was adding a green screen to a video studio, I would use green screen paint. It's a more permanent option). Though I wouldn't use them for a studio, they are excellent for your home or office.
BEGIN WITH A GREAT WEBCAM
Before you start using a green screen you want to make sure that you have a good webcam that will work well with chroma key.
I recommend using the Logitech C930e 1080P HD Video Webcam.
I've been using this webcam for some time now and love using it. The clarity is incredible, and it gives me a beautiful crisp image which is perfect for using a green screen. This is probably one of the best Alright, let's talk green screens.I want to give to you four excellent green screen kits that are my recommendations if you're planning on setting up a green screen in your home or office.
Neewer Large Video and Photography Green Screen Kit
The Neewer Video and Photography green screen kit (Click Here to check out the latest products on Amazon) comes with an 8.5 x 10-foot support stand and a 10 x 20 backdrop. This kit is light and easy to carry. It's perfect for using it on location, and the convenient carrying cases make it ideal for travelling. The backdrops are made of 100% Muslin; the Cotton fabric is plain weave, and you can machine wash them if you wish.
The kit comes with three muslins colors: green, black and white.It also comes with a stand to hold the muslins in place.What's included? Two white umbrellas and stands, the umbrellas are used to soften the light and broaden its reach. The umbrellas are fantastic for photography, and the bulbs are designed to produce a natural daylight look.
The two softboxes are used to give you an even distribution of light and a crisp, cleaner shot.
Build Your Own Green Screen Kits Do-it-yourself
This might not be the best good kit for those that are looking to create large productions, but for beginners and for around the home or office – this kit is perfect.It's an affordable kit that will get you started with adding green screen to your videos. It's easy to set up and perfect for traveling. I own this kit and love it. I use it in my basement for doing the odd webinar and I have no complaints.
It's not a super strong construction, but it gets the job done.
ePhoto 10 x 20 Muslin Chromakey Green Screen Kit
Build Your Own Green Screen Kits Free
The ePhoto Chromakey Kit (Click here to Check out the latest prices on Amazon) is perfect basic green screen kit.
This 3 light kit with a 10X20 100% muslin works as expected. What makes this kit great for video, especially interviews, is that it comes with a top light used to add overhead light. All three lights are softboxes which disperses the light evenly and creates a crisp image.
One of the biggest mistakes when using a green screen is not evenly dispersing the light over the green screen. I would suggest you purchase this kit and add a couple more LED lights. Click here to check out the LED lights I purchased on Amazon. It is a solid kit and great if you are just starting with green screens.
Linco Pheno Studio Lighting Studio (Best Price)
For the price, the Link Pheno Studio is an incredible kit to purchase (Click here to check out the price on Amazon). It comes with four lights (2 softboxes and 2 umbrellas), medal stands for all the lights and muslin (Three colors of muslins: black, white and green) and everything is made with high-quality materials, and it has a great carrying case. For under $100, this is a great green screen kit for your home or office.
It's a great place to begin, and you can add some more screens or lights as you need.
Elgato Green Screen – Collapsible Chroma Key
Sometimes you don't have the room or space to setup a big 10X20 green screen. This is where the Elgato Collapsible Green Screen is great (Click here to take a look at this great product on Amazon).
Let's talk easy!
If you are looking to add a green screen for your webinars or game streams and want something simple and easy to set up. This is your solution.
Just pull it up into place. Simple.
The Elgato collapsable green screen is a easy way to add chroma key to your home and your home office.
The Elgato is so simple to setup and it's easy to store.
It's probably one of the best solutions for add a green screen to your home or office just because of the room factor – it doesn't take up a ton of room.
Adding a green screen to your project will make it look professional and you'll have fun putting it all together.
You don't have to spend a ton of money these days to get a great kit.
