White Background for final video

N

NLGproducer

Member
Hello

need to create a intro video (upper torso and head) with a white background is it best to shot with a green screen and then key to white or shot with a white backdrop and key to white?

I had issues the last time using ultra key and trying to go green to white with the talents hair getting pixelated..
 
What camera are you using?

I've actually done both in the past year, and you couldn't tell which was which, really. But I was using an EX1 (HD) at 1080p and delivering in 720p.
 
^ +1. Unless you need more than just white background (e.g. graphics layered under actor), just shoot what you need from the get-go...actor in front of a white screen.
 
Shoot it white like others have said. And of course it goes without saying, but I will - make sure you correctly white balance and correctly expose the background.
 
Both options have merit and advantages.

Shoot white BG with great exposure control and good CC/grade techniques will be safest route.

Keep the whites max 95% on the wfm and then use the cc to sort them.
 
What everyone else says and:
- light the background as evenly as you can... darker spots can make it more difficult to key
- make sure person isn't wearing any white!
- sometimes you can get as good keys with white as with a green screen
 
Ha, ha. Good point. I've only been able to do that in a studio. Whenever I setup outside I can't get it perfect. I end up having to key white with white. It's laziness. I don't always bring all the lights I should or find the right distance for the camera.
 
One trick that works for me is to expose your white background at or over 100 ire. While keeping your subject well below that point. You can guage this by setting your zebras to 100. Some cameras may roll off badly so test it first. YMMV.
 
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