Difference between revisions of "Build a Portable Green Screen"
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#*Five 2.5ft 1/2″ PVC | #*Five 2.5ft 1/2″ PVC | ||
#*Two 2ft 1/2″ PVC | #*Two 2ft 1/2″ PVC | ||
| − | #*Four 1ft 1/2″ PVC<ref>http://www.biblemoneymatters.com/how-to-create-a-diy-green-screen-setup/</ref> | + | #*Four 1ft 1/2″ PVC<ref name="rf1">http://www.biblemoneymatters.com/how-to-create-a-diy-green-screen-setup/</ref> |
#*Note that these lengths include enough material to brace the frame with two horizontal pieces and a small vertical piece that connects them. If you use thicker PVC pipe (like ¾” or 1”) the frame will be sturdier and you may not need this bracing. | #*Note that these lengths include enough material to brace the frame with two horizontal pieces and a small vertical piece that connects them. If you use thicker PVC pipe (like ¾” or 1”) the frame will be sturdier and you may not need this bracing. | ||
#Cut and sew fabric. Look in any store that sells fabric for a bright green color of natural or synthetic fabric that won't wrinkle easily. Purchase at least 2-3 yards of fabric that is 48 inches wide or wider. | #Cut and sew fabric. Look in any store that sells fabric for a bright green color of natural or synthetic fabric that won't wrinkle easily. Purchase at least 2-3 yards of fabric that is 48 inches wide or wider. | ||
| − | #*Note that a standard width for fabric is 48 inches, or 4 feet. If you want a green screen wider than that, look for fabric that comes in a 54" or 60” width, or sew two pieces of fabric together for an even larger size.<ref>http://filmmakeriq.com/2013/02/diy-a-portable-green-screen/</ref> | + | #*Note that a standard width for fabric is 48 inches, or 4 feet. If you want a green screen wider than that, look for fabric that comes in a 54" or 60” width, or sew two pieces of fabric together for an even larger size.<ref name="rf2">http://filmmakeriq.com/2013/02/diy-a-portable-green-screen/</ref> |
| − | #*It’s also a good idea to iron your fabric so that it is free of wrinkles before use as a green screen. Visible wrinkles that show up on camera will interfere with the keying process that replaces the color with another image.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZQq156MDM</ref> | + | #*It’s also a good idea to iron your fabric so that it is free of wrinkles before use as a green screen. Visible wrinkles that show up on camera will interfere with the keying process that replaces the color with another image.<ref name="rf3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwZQq156MDM</ref> |
#*If you cannot find a suitable green color of fabric, you may be able to paint or dye fabric to your desired shade. However, this method may not turn out as even or consistent as a pre-dyed fabric. | #*If you cannot find a suitable green color of fabric, you may be able to paint or dye fabric to your desired shade. However, this method may not turn out as even or consistent as a pre-dyed fabric. | ||
#Decide how you will attach the screen. Determine how you would like to attach your green fabric to the top of the frame. Use clamps, sewing, or elastic depending on your preferences. | #Decide how you will attach the screen. Determine how you would like to attach your green fabric to the top of the frame. Use clamps, sewing, or elastic depending on your preferences. | ||
#*Get A clamps (or spring clamps) to clamp the fabric to the top of the frame. You will also use these to attach the fabric smoothly to the sides of the frame, so you can grab a few more with very little expense from a hardware store. | #*Get A clamps (or spring clamps) to clamp the fabric to the top of the frame. You will also use these to attach the fabric smoothly to the sides of the frame, so you can grab a few more with very little expense from a hardware store. | ||
| − | #*Try sewing a “pocket” into the top of the fabric by folding it over and sewing to create a long loop through which to slide the PVC pipe.<ref | + | #*Try sewing a “pocket” into the top of the fabric by folding it over and sewing to create a long loop through which to slide the PVC pipe.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Use approximately 6 inch pieces of elastic band fabric, folded over to create loops large enough to fit around your PVC pipe. Then sew or staple these loops to the fabric wherever you want it to connect to your frame.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVH4-pn3tj0</ref> | + | #*Use approximately 6 inch pieces of elastic band fabric, folded over to create loops large enough to fit around your PVC pipe. Then sew or staple these loops to the fabric wherever you want it to connect to your frame.<ref name="rf4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVH4-pn3tj0</ref> |
=== Building the Stand === | === Building the Stand === | ||
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#*Fill another T-joint connector on each side with the 2.5’ pieces you just installed, two more 3’ pieces (horizontal), and your two 2’ pieces (vertical). | #*Fill another T-joint connector on each side with the 2.5’ pieces you just installed, two more 3’ pieces (horizontal), and your two 2’ pieces (vertical). | ||
#*Connect the horizontal 3’ pieces in the middle with two T-joints and one 2.5’ piece vertically between them. | #*Connect the horizontal 3’ pieces in the middle with two T-joints and one 2.5’ piece vertically between them. | ||
| − | #*Make the feet by connecting two 1’ pieces together with the end of your 2’ piece on either side using a T-joint. Then add end caps to the open ends of all four 1’ pieces.<ref | + | #*Make the feet by connecting two 1’ pieces together with the end of your 2’ piece on either side using a T-joint. Then add end caps to the open ends of all four 1’ pieces.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Try an alternative with microphone stands. Use microphone stands as an alternative method for an adjustable stand. You may choose this method if you already have mic stands available, if you want to use less PVC pipe, or you want the height of the frame to be more easily adjusted. | #Try an alternative with microphone stands. Use microphone stands as an alternative method for an adjustable stand. You may choose this method if you already have mic stands available, if you want to use less PVC pipe, or you want the height of the frame to be more easily adjusted. | ||
| − | #*Build a simpler PVC frame of three long pieces for the top and sides of the frame. Then use two microphone stands with the extensions removed and slide the side pieces of PVC pipe over the mic stands so the frame stands upright. Adjust the height of the frame by raising the PVC higher or lower on the mic stands and placing a clamp underneath to keep in place.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kclldwox6HE</ref> | + | #*Build a simpler PVC frame of three long pieces for the top and sides of the frame. Then use two microphone stands with the extensions removed and slide the side pieces of PVC pipe over the mic stands so the frame stands upright. Adjust the height of the frame by raising the PVC higher or lower on the mic stands and placing a clamp underneath to keep in place.<ref name="rf5">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kclldwox6HE</ref> |
| − | #*Or try using just one piece of PVC pipe for the top bar of the frame, then slide either end of it into a mic stand grip. Adjust each mic stand accordingly to change the height of the screen.<ref | + | #*Or try using just one piece of PVC pipe for the top bar of the frame, then slide either end of it into a mic stand grip. Adjust each mic stand accordingly to change the height of the screen.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Note that when using microphone stands, you may want to choose thicker PVC pipe, like 1” PVC, for sturdiness. | #*Note that when using microphone stands, you may want to choose thicker PVC pipe, like 1” PVC, for sturdiness. | ||
#Keep PVC loose or glue it. Glue your PVC frame pieces together using PVC glue if you want to make the frame more permanent. Keep the pieces unglued if you want to take the frame apart later. | #Keep PVC loose or glue it. Glue your PVC frame pieces together using PVC glue if you want to make the frame more permanent. Keep the pieces unglued if you want to take the frame apart later. | ||
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#*Adjust the fabric so that it falls flat and evenly from the top of the frame. Then use as many clamps as you need to attach it to the sides (and even the bottom) of the frame to create as even, unwrinkled, and unstretched a surface as possible. | #*Adjust the fabric so that it falls flat and evenly from the top of the frame. Then use as many clamps as you need to attach it to the sides (and even the bottom) of the frame to create as even, unwrinkled, and unstretched a surface as possible. | ||
#Set up in a well-lit area. Set up your green screen frame wherever you wish to use it. The best results for video editing will come from using very even, consistent lighting for filming in front of the green screen. | #Set up in a well-lit area. Set up your green screen frame wherever you wish to use it. The best results for video editing will come from using very even, consistent lighting for filming in front of the green screen. | ||
| − | #*Try using the green screen outdoors in overcast weather, or indoors using five individual lights: two main lights (which illuminate the subject being filmed), two fill lights (which illuminate the green screen), and a backlight (which will help distinguish the subject from the green screen for editing).<ref | + | #*Try using the green screen outdoors in overcast weather, or indoors using five individual lights: two main lights (which illuminate the subject being filmed), two fill lights (which illuminate the green screen), and a backlight (which will help distinguish the subject from the green screen for editing).<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Ensure that every time you set up the green screen, the lighting or fabric itself doesn’t illuminate any creases or wrinkles that will show up when filming and affect the editing process of replacing the green color. Iron or steam the fabric if necessary to achieve a smooth surface. | #*Ensure that every time you set up the green screen, the lighting or fabric itself doesn’t illuminate any creases or wrinkles that will show up when filming and affect the editing process of replacing the green color. Iron or steam the fabric if necessary to achieve a smooth surface. | ||
#Move or disassemble when done. Easily reposition the entire frame with the fabric still attached, or undo the pieces of the frame to make it a size that’s easy to transport or store. | #Move or disassemble when done. Easily reposition the entire frame with the fabric still attached, or undo the pieces of the frame to make it a size that’s easy to transport or store. | ||
| − | #*To avoid removing the green fabric every time, try rolling it onto the top bar of your frame before disassembling or storing. This will keep the fabric wrinkle-free as well. You can hold the fabric in place once rolled with a few pieces of tape, velcro or elastic straps, or rubber bands.<ref>http://www.jeffgeerling.com/articles/photography/diy-greenscreen</ref> | + | #*To avoid removing the green fabric every time, try rolling it onto the top bar of your frame before disassembling or storing. This will keep the fabric wrinkle-free as well. You can hold the fabric in place once rolled with a few pieces of tape, velcro or elastic straps, or rubber bands.<ref name="rf6">http://www.jeffgeerling.com/articles/photography/diy-greenscreen</ref> |
#*It’s helpful to take a picture or draw a quick diagram of your assembled frame before taking it apart. This will make it easier to reassemble in the same way next time you use it. | #*It’s helpful to take a picture or draw a quick diagram of your assembled frame before taking it apart. This will make it easier to reassemble in the same way next time you use it. | ||
