The green screen technique is a useful tool for video production because it allows technicians to take a photo of something and superimpose it on a background of their choice. It gives them enormous flexibility because they can use a different location altogether as the background, or if need be, animated digital background for an interesting effect. However, as useful as the method is, you need to examine your need carefully. It is because like everything else in this world, the technique has its pros and cons.

Why Green Screens Are Used

Also known as Chroma Keying, the green screen video filming technique involves shooting a subject against a solid green or blue color background. When editing, the image is superimposed onto a different background to create the illusion of having shot against the final background. The reason for green and blue colors to be used is that they are easy for the editing software to select the subject and remove the background.

Advantages of Green Screens

Saves time: Because of the simplified logistics of the shoot, the videography team can complete a larger number of shoots than what would have been usually possible if the shoots were at different locations. The time saved can be significant because it can take a lot of effort and time for people and equipment to be transported to different locations and everything to be set up. By using green screen backgrounds, all the shoots can be done at the same location with different backgrounds used at the editing stage to distinguish them.

Saves the hassle of shooting at the location: There are many locations where traveling could be time-consuming, expensive, or even impractical due to political conditions, unfavorable climate, lack of infrastructure, and other reasons like being crowded or noisy. By using a green screen, you can shoot in the studio with the actors. Thereafter, a small crew can film the background and complete the editing process in the studio. The outcome of saving time and effort results in significant savings in cost.

Drawbacks of Using Green Screens

Technically complicated process: Even though the process of using green screens may appear straightforward, getting it right can be notoriously tricky. The biggest problem is ensuring that the lighting is even because otherwise, it will not key in properly when you are editing it. If you are keen on looking authentic, you should hire qualified and experienced professionals. According to Forbes, imagination is the only limiting factor in the use of green screens.

Longer editing time: Because the process is complex, the time taken to edit the video can be significantly longer, which can drive up your costs. If you are using many special effects, you will need powerful editing infrastructure and have to live with the fact that it will take longer to render and export.

Unrealistic: Implementing the green screen technique is difficult. Even after getting it right, the effect may not seem natural because of mismatches in the color temperature, the perspective, and even the scale.

Conclusion 

The decision to use green screens needs careful consideration, and you should only implement it when you are confident that its benefits significantly outweigh the drawback.