[Eugene Perepletchikov]

Another approach would be to use a layer stack of differing blending modes to isolate shadows, highlights etc… I find that you can achieve quiet subtle and complex colour schemes by carefully adjusting the colours through curves on each blending mode layer individually, whilst also variating the saturation so that your image doesn’t blow out. That way you can apply a blur just to highlights through a screen layer if you really wanted to, and still keep the shadows crisp, with all your tones carefully controlled.

This method may take a bit more time and fidgeting around (plus more layers) but in the end it can really pay off.

Good luck

[Eugene Perepletchikov]

Thanks for all your responses guys.

I have had some experience with greenscreen in the past and agree with you guys that lighting is crucial! Luckily i am shooting in a proper studio environment with excellent lighting capabilities.

I have made the final decision to go with the DVCPro50 format. In reply to your comment Joseph, DVCPro50 is actually 4:2:2, running at 50 Mbits/sec and would match, if not outperform the older BetaSP format, judging from examples of footage that I have seen.

I would maybe have considered sticking with regular DV but time is a big factor for me too. If I have to spend 4 times longer to pull a clean key (on over 80 seperate shots for good measure!) than that is a big problem. I have fun times ahead, keying footage,finishing textures+lights for environments, matching camera moves in 3D, compositing, colour grading, visual effects, editing, sound design…anyways, enough whining from me!

Thanks guys!

[Eugene Perepletchikov]

Hey Chris

I guess that that’s what i was thinking too, that even if it was a perfectly even green, the problems on the edges would remain as it is still dv compression. Although, a totaly even green could save me a bit of time in regards to keying…

I guess that I will evaluate the test footage and see where to go from there. I understand that dvcpro50 footage would make a big difference, I just have to see whether it will justify the costs…

Have you had any experience keying dvcpro50 footage? Does it come up a lot cleaner after a reasonable amound of processing (colour grading, blending modes etc)?