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How do I add Green Screen effects to a film?

A green screen is a blank green background that can be used to create special effects in a film. To create a composite image using a green screen you will first shoot a screen with the actors on a green green backdrop. Then during post-production you will use a video editor to color-key, removing the green backdrop. Finally, you will create a composite image by layering your footage over a base image. This page will walk you through that process.

MATERIALS LIST

a Chromebook, Mac, or PC
your school Google account
video footage
video editor like WeVideo, iMovie, or Adobe Premiere

How Does Green Screen Work?

Preparing to Film

Before you film a scene on green screen, it is essential to have your set ready. Watch these videos to learn steps to take before you film using a green screen. Avoid the five mistakes to make sure you capture footage that can be easily edited during post.

6 Easy Steps

Get a green screen kit
Light the screen
Plan your shots
Place and light your subject
Shoot your shot
Chromakey in post-production

Five Mistakes

Check for even lighting.
Avoid light fall off and reflection.
Increase shutter speed to remove motion blur.
Wear solid colors. No green!
Match lighting between the subject and background.

What will you make?

There are many green screen tricks that you can use to add effects to your films. Watch these videos to gather ideas. What will you make?

Green Screen Tricks

Green screen video layered over a still image.
Double green screen videos over background.
Green screen video layered in front of smaller video.
Still image layered over smaller video.

More Green Screen Tricks

Mini green screen set.
Floating shapes.

Editing Green Screen Effects

There are many video editing programs that allow you to make a green screen composite video. The videos below walk you through the process using four common editing programs, WeVideo, iMovie (for iOS and MacOS), and Adobe Premiere Pro.