Videomaker Forums » Tag: green screen

Videomaker Forums » Tag: green screen - Recent Posts http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Tag: green screen - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:03:57 +0000 starcityfame on "Goofy Comedy-Slapstick Collab" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/goofy-comedy-slapstick-collab#post-48765 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:32:14 +0000 starcityfame 48765@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Â Hi All, My friend Hans and I have started collaborating on a YouTube comedy series called "Cher on Crack, Sonny is Back." There was no other reason than to do something off-the-wall and be creative about it - not just stand in front of a camera and shout like so many others do (and get millions of hits for). Not knocking that, but everyone has different interests. Our interests are more about filming technique and post-production... a little bit of scripting and ad-libbing... and having fun with customes, props, green screen, animation, and plain silly entertainment in this angry and serious world. This video is our 3rd in a series which started out as a green screen test at first. This week, we will be shooting Part 4 with a more defined script. Please feel free to comment here or on YouTube... preferably YouTube. The cam is a Canon XHA1. Our lighting is not yet perfected. Hans Moore does some animation as a hobby. Both of us are recent filmmakers and will be switching from Ulead to Premiere Pro soon. YouTube link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjmVcuHqHDM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjmVcuHqHDM</a> Thanks!! cyorkgo on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48357 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:18:43 +0000 cyorkgo 48357@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ The best program to do this is Serious Magic. Unfortuantely Adobe purchased the company and doesnt sell it anymore. If you can find a copy on Ebay or on the net grab it. It also has a built in teleprompt so you can read your lines while taping and a simple drag and drop feature to change scenes. It was an awesome program. Check this video out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g468Jtp3-Oo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g468Jtp3-Oo</a> Google Serious Magic Ultra Key Craig The shooter on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48351 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:09:58 +0000 The shooter 48351@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Yeah, your're right. jerronsmith on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48349 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:53:39 +0000 jerronsmith 48349@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Shooter, Assuming he wants it done in real time like the news. I don't think Final Cut will work. The shooter on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48340 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:29:18 +0000 The shooter 48340@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ You're right, but a switcher is very expensive. You can have the same result with final cut. Antoine jerronsmith on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48323 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:27:48 +0000 jerronsmith 48323@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Sounds like you would need a video switcher. The way the weather works is that the person is shot in front of a greenscreen and the green is removed either using the switcher itself or another production time keying technology like ultimatte. This becomes your first video feed. The graphics of the weather or whatever are created separately and shot on a second camera or feed in through a computer system. The Switcher can them take both streams and superimpose them to create the image you see on TV. Usually the person bign shot is looking at a video feed so that can know where to point. mitchstevens on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48290 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:49:12 +0000 mitchstevens 48290@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am familiar with Final Cut, but use a PC. Is there anything that you know of that allows the use of a PowerPoint or whatever is on the PC screen to show up behind the speaker in real-time? (like the weatherman), 2. Doesn't require a high level of technical skill so a novice can use it? and 3. Has a fast turnaround time and can easily be done in-house? The shooter on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48280 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:43:56 +0000 The shooter 48280@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ See Hypercam: <a href="http://images.snapfiles.com/screenfiles/hypercam.gif" rel="nofollow">http://images.snapfiles.com/screenfiles/hypercam.gif</a> The shooter on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48279 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:42:48 +0000 The shooter 48279@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Ok, for the green screen you can use almost any good editing program ( I use Final cut) . To get the screen in your edititing program either han fiming it, you should use an on-screen recorder. One I know is a program called HyperCam wich will film what is on your screen. I'ts not the best quality, but it's an option. You an try to find other program like this. They are free programs that make movie files that you can insert in your timeline under your chroma key. For Mac you use Copernicus for on-screen recording. Good luck, Antoine <img alt="hypercam.gif" src="webkit-fake-url://FA603801-7DD3-49FE-B053-97EC6979299A/hypercam.gif" /> mitchstevens on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48274 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:11:47 +0000 mitchstevens 48274@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I guess what I need to know is: Which programs allow you to project whatever is on the computer desktop behind you by using a digital camera and a green screen? I am working with Windows, but am open to all suggestions. Thanks! The shooter on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48271 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:46:22 +0000 The shooter 48271@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ In the term "Green screen", it doesn't mean that the subject is in front of a computer screen. It's more like a wall or a sheet. You can buy some very cheap at tape tupe. <a href="http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/tubetape/the-1/chromakey-background-backdrop-greenscreen/Detail" rel="nofollow">http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/tubetape/the-1/chromakey-background-backdrop-greenscreen/Detail</a> Futhermore, if you shoot your computer screen, black lines will appear. For the software, please tell me if you work on Mac or Windows. Antoine mitchstevens on "Best green screen video applications?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-green-screen-video-applications#post-48267 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:32:11 +0000 mitchstevens 48267@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Does anyone know of and can recommend an application that will create a video using a green screen of the computer screen behind you while you are speaking, that can record in real-time for extra fast turnaround? NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46904 Sun, 17 May 2009 18:27:46 +0000 NormanWillis 46904@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Comp. Here is my letter to Victor Milt (lower case) and his response (IN ALL CAPS) If Foam Core is not resistant to heat, is thin (1/4") plywood an option? HEAT IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE CFL LAMPS. THEY BURN WARM TO THE TOUCH BUT NOT HOT. Or would that just be too heavy? ABSOLUTELY TOO HEAVY - FIND FOAM CORE 3/16" FOR DOORS AND 1/2" FOR BACK. IF YOU FOLLOW THE VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS, IT WILL TAKE YOU ABOUT 3 HOURS TO DO YOUR FIRST LAMP. I HAVE USED THE FIRST LAMP WE BUILT NOW FOR FIVE YEARS. IT'S STILL "GOOD TO GO" ALTHOUGH I'VE PATCHED THE TAPE BINDINGS ONCE OR TWICE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC 'EGG CRATE' ON THE FRONT. AN INCREDIBLE INVESTMENT - TOTALLY WORTH THE TIME TO BUILD. DON'T RUSH - DO IT RIGHT AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. I USE IT FOR EVERYTHING! AND EVEN CLIENTS DON'T NOTICE THAT IT'S ALL FOAM CORE AND GAFFER TAPE - THE LIGHT IT GIVES IS MAGNIFICENT - DON'T FORGET THE ENTIRE MOVIE "LIGHT IT RIGHT" WAS SHOT WITH THE NANOLIGHT. IN FACT THE BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS WERE AN AFTERTHOUGHT SINCE THE LIGHT ITSELF WAS SO FINE. ENJOY. NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46892 Sun, 17 May 2009 07:34:37 +0000 NormanWillis 46892@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Comp. How much does the foam core weigh? My concern is, if the foam core will melt if one gets it too hot, then will it work to build the nano light out of 1/4" plywood, instead? And will a good quality tripod hold the weight of the nano if it is made out of 1/4" ply, if it has a good counter-balance weight? Or would think plywood just be too heavy? Thank you, Norman NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46827 Fri, 15 May 2009 05:51:01 +0000 NormanWillis 46827@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >>The eggcrate is an interesting option. >>If you aren't confident in your manufacturing skills then you'll be better off buying a light kit with a softbox(es) included. To be honest, it is not that I do not have tools, or know how to use them. It is just that I find that it pays to task anything out that can reasonably be tasked out. (i.e., in "make or buy", I generally choose buy, unless what I want cannot be readily found, or adapted). I learned a ton by surfing for purchase. One of the things I learned is how good the Kino Flo's and the Chimera's are, and all the nifty features that they have ready-made...and how much they cost. If I had the $$ I would jump for that...but I don't. But I also learned a ton about what is available out there, and what kinds of features I want build into my nano and green screen soffits, by spending some time to surf what is out there. One of the things I realized is that these lights are really highly specialized tools, much like a painter's brushes, or specialized wrenches. You might be able to hunt everything with a .30-.30, and lots of guys do, but some situations are better served by a .22LR, a .223, a .257 or a 7mm Magnum. When I went to the Light Tools website, the guy gave me four or five options about what kind of egg crate I wanted; i.e., how tight or how loose I wanted the diffusion pattern to be (20 degrees off direct, 40 degrees off direct, etceteras). It occurs to me that these egg crate deals are really like specialty brushes, allowing one to paint specialty this, or specialty that. I do not know how much he is going to want for the egg crate, but if the cost is reasonable, it might be worthwhile to pick up a slightly wider diffusion pattern as well, just to get the most flexibility out of the light. (And that way one could have a tight/directional grid, and then have a less directional grid, and/or one could also remove the grid). I would appreciate hearing your input. Norman NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46826 Fri, 15 May 2009 05:37:43 +0000 NormanWillis 46826@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Comp. >>If you are setting up a serious studio where clients will be coming on set you want your gear to look as pro as you can. I agree. That is one reason I am trying to hard to find a pre-manufactured light with egg crate. At the moment (i.e., at the start), I expect it will be just me. However, I have never been able to predict the future with any degree of certainty. I expect I might end up doing some guest interviews as time goes on. Hopefully the studio will not always be in my bedroom...but for right now, I have to begin where I am. But if possible, I want to get a light that will look pro. Norman composite1 on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46824 Fri, 15 May 2009 05:01:48 +0000 composite1 46824@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Norman, The eggcrate is an interesting option. Concerning the size of the nano, the standard size demo'd in the DVD works just fine for me. Depending on the bulbs I use it puts out a substantial amount of light and is quite portable. Your space you described will be well served by 1 or 2 nanos depending on what bulbs you use. I paid less than $70 on my initial build of a nano (I did spend a little more as I tweaked the design.) You are not going to find a comparable and versatile softbox for that kind of money. If you aren't confident in your manufacturing skills then you'll be better off buying a light kit with a softbox(es) included. Here's an inexpensive ready built option: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/465550-REG/Impact_FL_2K_Fluorescent_Two_Flood_Light.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/465550-REG/Impact_FL_2K_Fluorescent_Two_Flood_Light.html</a> You'll be able to use vellum sheets as diffusion material. Vellum is tough (I use it over halogen bulbs and they have yet to scorch), you can get it in various colors and you can use it with your other lights. Concerning the nano should you decide to build I didn't run across any bulbs that stated they were 'dimmable'. 3ways yes, but no dimmable. I used a straight on off switch similar to what you find on prebuilt light kits. That's worked out quite well. If you are setting up a serious studio where clients will be coming on set you want your gear to look as pro as you can. Since you're working out of your bedroom, use what will do a good job as inexpensively and safely as possible. NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46823 Fri, 15 May 2009 04:33:35 +0000 NormanWillis 46823@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >>you could find out which breaker(s) shut off you studio by running a radio in the room and flip breakers one at a time until the radio goes quiet. Leave that breaker off and find another working outlet in a nearby room (check the other outlets in your studio as well). Run an extension cord from that outlet to your studio (I would unplug this cord when not in use). That would give you a second line to work with (don't forget to turn the studio breaker back on at the box). Nice. Practical. Thanks. Norman CraftersOfLight on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46822 Fri, 15 May 2009 04:09:05 +0000 CraftersOfLight 46822@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Â "So basically, unless I want to pay a lot of money to upgrade my electrical circuitry, I need to go fluorescent?" you could find out which breaker(s) shut off you studio by running a radio in the room and flip breakers one at a time until the radio goes quiet. Leave that breaker off and find another working outlet in a nearby room (check the other outlets in your studio as well). Run an extension cord from that outlet to your studio (I would unplug this cord when not in use). That would give you a second line to work with (don't forget to turn the studio breaker back on at the box). NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46810 Fri, 15 May 2009 00:11:35 +0000 NormanWillis 46810@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hey Comp. What size do you think is ideal for a nano? Steve Kaeser sells a six light Cool Flo for $179.00. It is not dimmable, and it is only 32" x 32". <a href="http://www.skaeser.com/servlet/the-659/900-WATT-COOL-dsh-FLO-SOFTBOX/Detail">http://www.skaeser.com/servlet/the-659/900-WATT-COOL-dsh-FLO-SOFTBOX/Detail</a> Then to get egg crate, you have to modify some Photoflex egg crate, to cut it down to 32" x 32", and then swe in the velcro. <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=145113&is=REG">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=145113&is=REG</a> I found the place that makes the egg crate, and they are making me a custom bid for a 32" x 32", but I have not heard back from them yet. <a href="http://www.lighttools.com/">http://www.lighttools.com/</a> If I could get the whole thing for $250.00 and be done with it, would 32"x32" be a good size? Or would a 36" x 48" nano be better? The Steve Kaeser model would not be dimmable per se, but it would be adjustable, because you have three bank switches in the back, and you can either switch banks on or off, and/or you can also unscrew a bulb, and even swap bulb sizes. Plus it would be collapsible, in case you ever wanted to take it somewhere. May I please ask your opinion? Thank you, Norman NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46808 Thu, 14 May 2009 23:37:34 +0000 NormanWillis 46808@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Comp. >>If you decide to make your nano, I strongly suggest adding an on/off or dimmer switch. Is it advisable to add both, in line from each other? Or is that not advisable? That way, if you want to turn the lights off, and the dimmer is set to a certain level, then you can turn it off without messing up your dimmer. Norman NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46807 Thu, 14 May 2009 23:35:37 +0000 NormanWillis 46807@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Comp, >>If you decide to make your nano, I strongly suggest adding an on/off or dimmer switch. I have been scouring the market, and cannot find anything ready-made that has exactly the qualities I need. They make softboxes with egg crate for halogen, but not for fluorescent. None of the fluorescents I have seen have egg crate, except for the Kino Flo, which is way outside my price range. However, I have a handyman friend who might be willing to make me a nano (and some vertical-standing green screen light soffit boxes) for not too much money. I was checking out Edison-base (screw-in) dimmable compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs for the nano. Apparently they come in the 2700K and 5100K flavors (as well as a few others). I think I would probably go with 150w = 40w bulbs. Are the bulbs that they have at Wal-Mart dimmable? Or do I have to special order off of the Internet? I think my main concern is about the integrity of the foam core, and also about the stand. I wrote Vic, and he recommended the following stand: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=513014&is=REG">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=513014&is=REG</a> How much weight can a good tripod handle? And how would it work to use some thin (3/16ths") plywood instead of the foam core, as backing? Or how would it work to use some thin (3/16ths") plywood on the outsides of the foam core? Norman composite1 on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46805 Thu, 14 May 2009 22:50:15 +0000 composite1 46805@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Norman, The nanolight would suit your setup well because you would be using quite well. One on each side of your screen with up to 100w equivalent flourescent standard (not daylight) bulbs would be more than enough light for your small room. Just keep in mind the nano's as described in the DVD use 60w (actual) sockets so your flourescent bulb's actual wattage cannot exceed that. The good news is a 60w flourescent = 13w, 100w flourescent 24w, 150w = 40w and a 200w = 65w. Remember these are 'equivalents' not 1-1 wattage ratios. The wattage equivalent is the amount of light put out is equivalent to a traditional tungsten bulb meaning it puts out nearly as much light as its equivalent bulb. Also, flourescent bulbs color temps are short a few degrees kelvin than a traditional tungsten or video/film specific bulb. The diff is around 500 - 1000 degrees kelvin less color temp. However, long as you do a good white balance an expose properly few if any will be able to tell the difference between whether you used a pro bulb or one you got from wal-mart. Be careful of consumer bulbs marked 'Daylight'. They have an extra 'blue' tint to them that can be seen with the naked eye. They are a 'poorman's' substitute for pro daylight bulbs and the rules of white balance and exposure apply. They would mainly be used to simulate daylight, though you may need a correcting filter or spend some extra time in post to make them match up with a scene shot outdoors. Do not mix them with standard flourescent bulbs! You will be sorry. 60w equivalent bulbs are okay in a nano as a keylight but you'll need to open up more. I like using 100w's which is more like a 600w softbox which is just fine for a keylight. If you decide to make your nano, I strongly suggest adding an on/off or dimmer switch. Though they build up a fraction of the heat traditional bulbs do, they still get warm. Add the enclosed space within the built-in softbox and your foamcore doors will start to sag when you use 100w or 150w equivalent bulbs. Do not use 200w equivalent bulbs in a nano! At 65w actual they exceed the max wattage of the sockets, you can't fit 6 bulbs in the unit (4 only) so the max you could have would be an 800w softbox, they're heavy and they generate a lot of heat which will compromise the unit (and probably set it on fire.) Having the on/off switch will allow you to turn off the unit without having to unplug. Your subject can be lit by a third nano or traditional lighting with no prob. NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46798 Thu, 14 May 2009 19:00:29 +0000 NormanWillis 46798@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Thank you for that formula. I will try to bear it in mind while designing the studio, so as not to exceed 15 amps continuous. I appreciate your help. Norman NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46791 Thu, 14 May 2009 16:01:49 +0000 NormanWillis 46791@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >>Norm With the talk about all these lights and converting a bedroom into your studio, I would like to point out a potential issue. Unless you plan on routing electric from other rooms (need to be careful about this too) you do have a current limit to what you can run in lighting and other electric needs. Most homes have a about half a dozen 20amp circuits or less supporting the whole house. And are wired so that several rooms share the same circuit (is why you need to take care in "borrowing" power from another room). With a 20amp circuit you do not want to run more then about 15amps for any great length of time as this will wear down a circuit breaker over time. This also allows an intermittant use of electric in that other room(s) on the same circuit. A quick way to figure roughly what your electric requirementsor availability are use this formula; Amps = Watts divided by Volts (house voltage in the US is around 120) so one 800Watt lamp needs (800/120=6.67) about 7 amps, almost half you power allocation. Or 15 amps X 120 volts is about 1800 watts so you can subtract Light wattage (for each light) from 1800 and stop adding lights when you get near zero. Hi Crafters. So basically, unless I want to pay a lot of money to upgrade my electrical circuitry, I need to go fluorescent? I guess I will have to do that. So that rules out getting soft boxes for the Tota heads. Thank you for the tip. Norman CraftersOfLight on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46779 Thu, 14 May 2009 12:43:09 +0000 CraftersOfLight 46779@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Norm With the talk about all these lights and converting a bedroom into your studio, I would like to point out a potential issue. Unless you plan on routing electric from other rooms (need to be careful about this too) you do have a current limit to what you can run in lighting and other electric needs. Most homes have a about half a dozen 20amp circuits or less supporting the whole house. And are wired so that several rooms share the same circuit (is why you need to take care in "borrowing" power from another room). With a 20amp circuit you do not want to run more then about 15amps for any great length of time as this will wear down a circuit breaker over time. This also allows an intermittant use of electric in that other room(s) on the same circuit. A quick way to figure roughly what your electric requirementsor availability are use this formula; Amps = Watts divided by Volts (house voltage in the US is around 120) so one 800Watt lamp needs (800/120=6.67) about 7 amps, almost half you power allocation. Or 15 amps X 120 volts is about 1800 watts so you can subtract Light wattage (for each light) from 1800 and stop adding lights when you get near zero. NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46773 Thu, 14 May 2009 06:16:13 +0000 NormanWillis 46773@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Comp. >>I've built a Nanolight and have the materials to build a second (just not the time to do it!) The nano works really well (of course I had to tweak it some) and with flourescent lights I can get up to a 900w equivalent softbox. You can make them bigger than the traditional 6 light, but you have to change your construction materials to adjust for the weight. I've been trying to shop my way out of building a nano, but I may have to break down and build one, because I cannot find a box that has all of the same features. Steve Kaeser makes some great-ooking Cool Flo lights with three rocker switches as a kind of a 'built-in dimmer', but they do not have any directional fabric (or directional grid), which I think would be critical for a key light. <a href="http://www.skaeser.com/servlet/Categories?category=LIGHTING:COOL-FLO">http://www.skaeser.com/servlet/Categories?category=LIGHTING:COOL-FLO</a> Alternately, I can get directional grid in a Wescott softbox to retrofit my Tota lamps, but it is a lot of money, and then I would still have a halogen lamp (which is hot), rather than a fluorescent. So it looks like in order to get both fluorescent and directional grid, I may have to build it. Is six large compact-fluorescents (screw-in-type) enough? And are they really dimmable? I am thinking I could also build one small one for use as an eye-light. As for lighting the green screen, how would it be to build four vertically-stackable troughts out of plywood, four-foot-six-inches-long each, and then put a four-foot long fluorescent lamp fixture in each of them (perhaps a standard four-foot shop lamp, with the reflector on it), and then brace the boxes so they can be stacked two high, and be pointed at the green screen (for a total of nine vertical feet of light)? I am thinking that if one had such troughs, the light would go straight onto the green screen, and the plywood trough would physically block/gobo the light from getting on the talent. Also, I read somewhere that people get 4100K lamps (green tint to them), to specifically work with the green of the screen. Does that sound like it would work? Also, what make and model of fixture do you use for your fill and back/rim/hair lights? Do you use the 'barn door' thing? And what wattage of bulbs? Norman composite1 on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46771 Thu, 14 May 2009 04:57:11 +0000 composite1 46771@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Norman, Glad you picked up 'Light it Right' it's a no nonsense look at basic lighting and how to build upon it. I've become one of 'Master Milt's' unofficial disciples as he has been quite helpful with critical reviews of my work. If you get a chance to go to one of his lectures, go. I've built a Nanolight and have the materials to build a second (just not the time to do it!) The nano works really well (of course I had to tweak it some) and with flourescent lights I can get up to a 900w equivalent softbox. You can make them bigger than the traditional 6 light, but you have to change your construction materials to adjust for the weight. That 'warm stunned' feeling you got from rigging up your system is compounded when you build one from scratch, it looks good and works as you intended. NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46716 Wed, 13 May 2009 01:00:57 +0000 NormanWillis 46716@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I apologize about all of the weird "A?A" symbols. I cut and pasted something, and it came out funny when I posted it, so I went back in and edited it. Then when I posted again, it had all the "A?A" symbols. I got the external monitor hooked up. I used the Component Out cable, and plugged in RGB to the back of our HDTV. <a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3984239&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs">http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3984239&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs</a> It looks great. I just sort of stood there for about ten minutes, blinking and going "Huh!" I guess I just assumed I would be working in green screen all the time, because it seems kind of exotic, and because I could. But maybe that is not necessarily what I want to do all of the time, and in all circumstances? Maybe I should ask myself if and when it seems appropriate to do green screen work, and when it is appropriate just to have a colored or dappled backdrop, or even a regular set? I'm still just kind of stunned from looking at the component closed circuit loop. Norman NormanWillis on "Need advice configuring studio with greenscreen" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-configuring-studio-with-greenscreen#post-46707 Tue, 12 May 2009 15:57:03 +0000 NormanWillis 46707@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi All.Ã?Â Great advice all the way around.Ã?Â Thanks a lot. Comp, after you gave props to DSE elsewhere, I decided to check out his stuff.Ã?Â Ã?Â I ordered this video on lighting from VASST (done by Victor Milt), and am completely blown away. <a href="http://www.vasst.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=135&category_id=4&manufacturer_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=66">http://www.vasst.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=135&category_id=4&manufacturer_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=66</a> Victor Milt talks about there really being 'no rules' for lighting; but that you just have to figure out what you want, and what works.Ã?Â He also says to light each shot differently, and to change everything up all the time, in order to keep things interesting for the viewer.Ã?Â I am about halfway through the video, and IÃ?Â cannot believe how much it has opened my eyes. I hope to finish watching the rest of the video tonight, but I already think I am going toÃ?Â pick up some other backgrounds, besides the green screen.Ã?Â I also need to pick up some reflectors, and reflector stands.Ã?Â Victor Milt also shows how to make an ultra-low-cost fluorescent lighting kit which he calls a 'nano box', which you can make forÃ?Â less than a hundred dollars.Ã?Â He lit the whole thing with it, andÃ?Â I am just stunned at how good the lighting looks.Ã?Â (Some of his green screen keys are not clean, but that is a different matter.)Ã?Â Ã?Â I would never have figured this stuff out on my own.Ã?Â It is like he packs his forty years of experience onto one DVD. Crafters andÃ?Â Comp, I have scraggly hair.Ã?Â Actually, my hair is OK; it is my beard that is scraggly.Ã?Â It would take massive amounts of 'slick-em' to make it lay down flat, and stay down; and it would not be me.Ã?Â Ã?Â I am thinking that perhaps instead of focusing just on a green screen,Ã?Â I might also want toÃ?Â use some colored or dappled backdrops?Ã?Â Also, after watching the video, the thought occurs to me that maybe I should also considerÃ?Â moving outside the bounds of 'the studio' (my bedroom), and consider filming inÃ?Â other parts of the house?Ã?Â I dunno: we will have to see about that. I am pretty much re-thinking everything.Ã?Â I am definitely going to use less wattage on the screen.Ã?Â I think I will try just for 300W bulbs.Ã?Â We will see how many candles that gives meÃ?Â when the light meter gets here.Ã?Â The eefx fabric is without wrinkles, and it is supposed to reflect 'relatively' little, and I re-arranged the bedroom yesterday,Ã?Â to put seven feet in between me and the green screen; but seven feet is still not a whole lot.Ã?Â I was also planning on wearing clean white shirts, and now I think I might consider some other color, since seven feet is not a lot of room, and white might pick up the green.Ã?Â How does one deal with that?Ã?Â Will it help toÃ?Â wear a darker-colored shirt during green screen shooting?Ã?Â Or does white do fairly well?Ã?Â Also, someone said a magenta gel on the backlight cancels or kills green screen 'overspray.'Ã?Â Does that sound right?Ã?Â But how will a magenta light look as a backlight, or a rim light?Ã?Â And how would that look on a clean white shirt? I am glad I bought that video.Ã?Â Also, since I am a 'one man show', is there any way to hook up an external reference monitor to a Sony HDR-FX1 (prosumer version of the HVR-Z1U), so I can see what the lighting looks like?Ã?Â I would justÃ?Â flip the on-screen monitor around, but it is small, and the teleprompter gets in the way.Ã?Â Is there some way to hook up an externalÃ?Â Dell 19" monitor, orÃ?Â a laptop? Here are some of the specs from the Sony site: <h3>Inputs and Outputs</h3> <ul> <li>Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (Mini Plug) Analog Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (Mini Plug) Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : Yes (via i.LINKÃ?Â®)<a href="showFootnotes();">1</a> Digital Audio/Video Input(s) : Yes (via i.LINKÃ?Â®)<a href="showFootnotes();">2</a> USB Port(s) : N/A Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Yes HDMI Connection Output(s) : N/A Headphone Jack : Yes (Stereo Mini) Microphone Input : Yes (Stereo Mini) i.LINKÃ?Â® Interface : Yes<a href="showFootnotes();">1</a> LANC Terminal : Yes (Stereo Mini) S-Video Input(s) : Yes S-Video Output(s) : Yes Remote Jack : N/A Active Interface Shoe : Yes (Cold) </li> </ul> I will try to remember the cornstarch! Thank you for your help. Norman