Chroma keying is a process in which we remove specific colour Chroma from a video scene and replace it with any other elements. In the film industry, Chroma keying has become the most popular effect used in VFX techniques. In these techniques, we remove a specific colour from an image and replace it. The most common colours used in Chroma keying are green and blue.
But why have only green and blue colours are been used in Chroma keying? Because these two colours are in opposite contrast to the colour of human skin tones. Chroma keying allows us to take our foreground subject out of the real world and place them into a new world. Chroma keying or colour keying we identify a specific colour to remove.
Benefits of Chroma Key?
In Chroma keying, we shoot a subject against a solid colour background. This technique helps us to merge two different shots in the same frame. Basically, we shoot actors in a studio with proper lighting according to shot requirements. But, in the final result, the actor looks like he is somewhere else but in fact, it’s not true we just recreate scenes in the post-production stage.
Chroma keying is been used more in films because it’s cheaper than shooting it in any expensive location. Nowadays, Chroma key process is also used in News for weather reports and also in T.V serials.
Which Colour to use in the Chroma Key?
You must choose your key colour according to your shot. It means if green colour is in your shot set then you have to use blue and vice-versa.
If you are shooting a nature scene then try to avoid using a green screen because plants will get transparent on the green screen. The green colour is much more reflective and bright as compared to blue. In Hollywood movies, blue screens are commonly used as compared to green screens.
Do Proper Lighting In Shoot
If there is no proper lighting then we don’t get a clear shoot video. Our main motive is to set lighting according to the shot using soft light.
Differences in colour lighting will create a colour gradient and it will become more difficult in post. So, if you want to avoid these mistakes then do proper lighting on your green screen or blue screen. Don’t try to use a hard light source because it will cast narrow and focused beams and it will make hot spots.