[Michael Bey]

Great point about the secondary color correction that I forgot to mention! Thanks JR~

I purchased a 12’x24′ green screen w/stand from Pacific Lighting along with a lighting kit and they had a tutorial on getting the ultimate key. They suggest first cross lighting the green screen, then placing your subject at least 8 feet away from the screen and cross lighting the subject (overhead light as well if you can). Then place the camera at least 8 feet from the subject. I know you need some square footage to do this, but it works great. My keying is 1000% better now. A LOT LESS work in post production and shorter effect chain in Vegas. Makes Vegas’ Chroma key work better. Check out: HUMAN TORCH TEST 3 on YouTube by MB3Productions (me). Thanks again JR~

[Michael Bey]

I’ve found out recently that Sony Vegas’ chroma keyer is better than I originally thought. But that’s because I wasn’t using it correctly. First of all, the better shot you start out with the better results. That goes for ANY chroma-key software. Try this for a better key on Vegas:
1. after chroma key is added to a clip, click the effect off. Then use the eye dropper to click & drag to sample an AREA (not just on point) of the green screen (or whatever color you’re keying).
2. click “Show mask only”.
3. 1st adjust the High threshold until the subject is entirely white.
4. 2nd adjust the Low threshold until the background is entirely black.
5. Toggle back & forth the mask on & off to get as smooth a key as possible. Always 1st adjust the High THEN the Low threshold.
5. Add the “Chroma Blur” effect BEFORE the Chroma Keyer and turn both Horizontal and Vertical pixels to 4.000. This will smooth the jagged edge.
6. If need be, use the “Blur amount” on the Chroma Keyer, but use this very sparingly. Not much at all or you’ll get a glow around the subject.

Hope this helps. If not, I HIGHLY suggest checking out FXHome.com and looking at their Composite Lab Pro. It’s relatively inexpensive and is outstanding for the price. All their products are great. I have that & Effects Lab Pro as well. Good luck!!!