creating a backdrop

chris f

chris f

Veteran
I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this, but.....

I am doing a dance/exercise instructional video for a client and they want to make the video in their dance studio. The problem is that every wall in the studio is covered with huge mirrors. Now I can't say that I watch alot of dance/exercise videos (this one is actually intended for young childeren), but I was thinking all the mirrors would make it hard to concentrate on the instructor (and would be impossible to hide the cameras and lighting) so I want to cover the mirrors up/make a backdrop. As of right now I'm planning on buying a bunch of black sheets and sewing them together and hanging them from the ceiling to cover the mirrors. I was also thinking that shining some colored lilghts on the sheets would help make the background not so dull. Anyways, I know this is a long description of my project, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or suggestions on how to make a good/seemless backdrop for this video.
 
it's for this studio that has an after-school program for young children (ages 7-14). i don't really think green screen is an option because i don't have any green screen experience, and the budget is pretty limited for this shoot

any suggestions???
 
Personally, I think leaving them black is fine. Makes you focus on the dancers, instead of the lights behind...

(or does that sound dumb?)
 
Whether or not to go green screen could also be effected by what he is shooting this on. The lower resolution he is using, the worse the green screen effect will be, especially with the extreme-long shot usually used for dance/excercise videos. If it is miniDV, then green screening is totally out of the question (unless he wants to go back and rotoscope the whole thing), 1080i HD or film though, might make it possible. Still, it would save you a LOT of work to just pick a background and go with it.
If you do do a black backdrop, then you should, as someone above recommended, drape it like a curtain rather than spreading it thin. You might also consider a lighter, gentler colored backdrop.
 
i like the idea of draping it like a curtain, i might also look into a colored backdrop, but i'll have to talk with the studio since their logo/company colors are black and silver. i don't see a green screen working in this particular situation, especially since the dance floor is made of wood and will be in the shots
 
with proper lighting, green-screening on mini-DV is not impossible. For the money spent on a backdrop, try to rent a Chroma key LED ring light as well as a reflective backdrop. Green Screen lighting made simple.
 
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