partial sets vs greenscreen?

[kgg]

I am looking to shoot as much of a project indoors to cut costs-scheduling issues.
I understand the value of greenscreen---but I am intrigued with the idea of using my modelling and painting skills to create old fashioned 2d set pieces that will encompass the performers from head to toe--and then in post digitally paint the rest of the set--or composite in elements as opposed to doing it entirely with a chroma key-greenscreen.

Beyond the issue of having to construct the sets--what's the downside compared to greenscreen? Shouldnt the lighting issues be simplified?

I.e I have one shot of someone standing in a street at night. I figure I could have a black fabric for the night sky(just enough to cover the actor's actitivty in the frame, and construct just enough of background model buildings that are directly behind the performer--and the pavement surface...and then add the rest later through photoshop layers etc. Painting the fabric into the sky--adding the rest of the pavement etc.

I like the idea of having a few ready made backdrops on hand that can be shuffled around quickly--in most cases I dont need the flexibility of being able to change the background.
But am I missing something in terms of the difficulty in digitally painting to avoid seams? :badputer:

[Greggl]

If your shots are locked off, its a very fast compositing job.. the moment the
camera moves, zooms or racks focus.. then you complicate things and have
to track the virtual set extensions in.

[oneinfiniteloop]

In addition to what Greg said, if you do have camera moves which in turn will require tracking, make sure you have some trackable points in your scene. I would suggest to use brightly colored ping pong balls. This way the tracking will go much easier.

[kgg]

Yep that was something I was thinking about. A lot of times the camera is locked down--but I would stick in lots of crosses and what not to make tracking easier.

[DCSensui]

For something impressive and inspirational, take a look at this:

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/technique/tprojects/6503.html

[PC]

Partially constructing a set (all elements Actor interacting with and part of the BG which cover the artist) is a great Idea and it realy save money.But U have to be extremly careful dealing with objects partly real and partly CG. Matching textures and lighting need good skill. One more trouble is the distortion created by lense specially shooting in wide angles.

[Drew Ott]

DCSensui, thanks for that clip. It is 'impressive' and 'inspirational'.

[slinks]

its quite nutty is what I say...jeez