http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: Background - Recent Posts en Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:50:35 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-video-as-background-scenography-in-theatre#post-66295 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:30:06 +0000 PJ McConnell 66295@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I can see how this might work, but on a bright stage I can't see the projector being bright enough to be able to see the background clearly enough. Likewise if the stage was too dark your background would glow and illuminate your actors from the back, which could look really cheesey, or if you purposely want to make silhouettes that would be pretty neat. </p> <p>You can test it out and may be successful, but I wouldn't bank on it. </p> <p>In terms of creating it are you speaking about animating it all, or filming a scene yourself and looping it to play in the background?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-video-as-background-scenography-in-theatre#post-66266 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:19:41 +0000 haley smith 66266@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>in some cases balancing the lighting can also affect the shadowing. Using also above projector can capture direct scene and picture which is a good idea to do.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Haley@<a title="video editing" href="http://www.janisdigitalmedia.com/">video editing</a></p> <p>Arkansas</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-video-as-background-scenography-in-theatre#post-66118 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:30:57 +0000 XTR-91 66118@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'd use an above projector to the amount of how much you can adjust your projector to get a straight (unschewed) picture</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-video-as-background-scenography-in-theatre#post-66117 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 12:45:55 +0000 Pablo 66117@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thank you very much, Grinner. Unfortunately, the only way is front projection due to the construction of the theater and budget is very low (independent production) to think in LED, so anything above a projector connected to a DVD player/computer is beyond our possibilities.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-video-as-background-scenography-in-theatre#post-66115 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 11:42:20 +0000 grinner 66115@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> rear projection is fine much of the time, depending on lighting. Shadows being a problem with front projection, more and more you'll see the use of LED screens. They work the same as old jumbotrons, really. I've used everything from after effects to Avids to produce content for these screens.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/using-video-as-background-scenography-in-theatre#post-66113 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:23:55 +0000 Pablo 66113@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Dear all,</p> <p>I am not sure if this is the right forum to post this. But I have seen some live theatre performances (plays and musicals) that instead of using tradicional backgrounds (usually painted on fabric) they project a video.</p> <p>The video is not completely still usually but is has some minor movement, reflecting for e.g. a landscape, a sky, etc. </p> <p>I believe that the bottom part of the composition is almost dark, so the projection is not seen on actors' body. Is this right?</p> <p> </p> <p>I would like to know if you believe this technique is difficult for doing it in a medium-size theater (let's say a stage about 30feet wide and 25 feet tall)? </p> <p>What program and or thecnique is used to design the background? After effects? Premiere? (I regularly use the Adobe Suite)</p> <p>What kind of projector?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basement-shot-1-light-bulb-2-faces-how-2-light-please#post-58040 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:43:39 +0000 BC 58040@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the input guys.</p> <p>I like the chinese lantern idea alot. I should have plenty of time to experiment so i'm going to give that a try.</p> <p>I do own a reflector - cheap £30 one - but does the job.</p> <p>And the closet light - one location has a bunch of old metal closets so I'll definately try that aswell.</p> <p>The only other idea i had put to me was shooting with the talent lit - obviously with enough depth behind them to the black background that it maintains it's blackness. Darken the shot in the edit and green screen the swinging light bulb on top - as it swings across the shot return the light levels of that area to the desired level. </p> <p>How does that sound.</p> <p>Thanks again for the help everyone.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basement-shot-1-light-bulb-2-faces-how-2-light-please#post-58026 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 06:01:14 +0000 Don 58026@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>another cheap lighting tool that may be useful to you is the simple white bifold closet door, mount your flourecent tube inside the V of the standing door and by opening or closing the v you can widen or narrow the strip of light it throws, a strip of gaffer tape will seal the seem where the door hinges if needed.</p> <p>these striplight banks can then be used to seperate your subjects from the background from behind or to fill in shadows from the front.</p> <p>they won't cause flair in camera if position properly.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basement-shot-1-light-bulb-2-faces-how-2-light-please#post-58024 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:28:02 +0000 birdcat 58024@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Wolf's advice is spot on.  </p> <p>You could also look into reflectors - Digital Juice has a nice one (<a href="http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/products.asp?pid=1131">http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/products.asp?pid=1131</a>) and the first accessory I bought as a professional (I was getting $100 as a bonus for doing it) was an "official" Videomaker reflector (<a href="http://www.videomaker.com/shop/accessories-clothes/videomaker-reflector.html">http://www.videomaker.com/shop/accessories-clothes/videomaker-reflector.html</a>).</p> <p>A good article on how to use them is here: <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/9348/">http://www.videomaker.com/article/9348/</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basement-shot-1-light-bulb-2-faces-how-2-light-please#post-58013 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:46:21 +0000 composite1 58013@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>BC,</p> <p>Two words; Chinese Lantern.</p> <p>One word; Blocking.</p> <p>Three more words; Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.</p> <p>Okay, so you're now asking, 'what does any of that mean?' Simple. You have your 'single bulb' which I surmise (never assume) is in frame. Just above your bulb out of frame you hang a Chinese Lantern of the same color temperature. Your in frame bulb should be low wattage or dimmed just enough to be seen as lit. </p> <p>Inside the Chinese lantern (sounds like a movie title) should be of higher wattage to clearly illuminate your talent with some shadow present. You could even run the cord from your in frame light through the CL so when it swings, so will the lantern. You're going to have to run some tests obviously and will probably need to use an ND filter so you can get an acceptable exposure and still see your effect. Not to mention you won't want to shoot a light bulb even dimmed straight on with a video camera.</p> <p>Blocking: that's how you arrange your on-camera talent so they can be seen (I again surmise) at the same time and get your desired effect. Again you'll need to run camera and lighting tests to see if this works according to your vision.</p> <p>The reason I said CL and CFB's  is because the lantern will diffuse the light and the CFB's are soft lights anyway hence softening the look even more. Since your on camera bulb will have to be dimmed, the lantern will provide enough light so when you're shooting you won't have to be wide open on your exposure. CL's come in various sizes and in paper or nylon. Paper is very good at diffusing and cutting down the bulb's output, but nylon has a nice way of evening the light out. You can buy chinese lanterns at party supply or craft stores cheap. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs you can get at a discount store in indoor white and daylight white. Don't get colored lanterns! It's easier (and cheaper) to just get white and use a colored CFB.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basement-shot-1-light-bulb-2-faces-how-2-light-please#post-58000 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:07:58 +0000 BC 58000@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p>Thanks for looking...</p> <p>I need to film a scene with a blacked out background (I have black stage curtains or black colourama paper from a photo studio for the background) but with a central, sometimes swinging lightbulb, at about head height or slightly above. The lightbulb is rigged to a dimmer switch so i can vary the output and there will be one and two people in the shot.</p> <p>I want it to look as though the lightbulb is the only source of light, so that at times the light moves with the swing of the bulb.</p> <p>Shooting on an HD canon - can't remember the model right now - the one without the inter-changeable lenses and maybe a Z1 but I think I'd rather just use the canon.  Also have a set of pretty good lights (3).</p> <p>Any and all tips on how to achieve this would be massively appreciated - assume that I don't really know what i'm doing and have a budget of favors, snacks and pennies.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-56400 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:50:57 +0000 Derek Sine 56400@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I don't think anyone could ever take your job. </p> <p>We really dig the videos, feel free to use the forums as a platform for whatever you may be up to. I know we are all interested! Heck, write a <a href="http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/guest-blog-posts">guest blog post</a> and link back to your site! </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-56397 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:44 +0000 Videopia 56397@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hehe, thanks and no worries: I have thick Internet-proof skin and can take it...and dish it (although I'll be polite here, I promise!). Plus, Mr. Hester DID have some very valid criticisms too, which I genuinely appreciated. Time to step up my game!</p> <p> </p> <p>p.s., Derek, I want my job back. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-56396 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:51:26 +0000 composite1 56396@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Eric,</p> <p>I want to echo Derek in welcoming you aboard. Hope you found the post in the spirit of what you put out. Don't mind Herr Hester. He's our resident "DA" (Devils' Advocate) and his comments generally help flush out those who haven't put much though into their work (which you obviously did.)</p> <p>In fact, I've been researching how to put together a kit based upon yours and a few other setups. Thanks for posting your videos as I have commented on several others besides this one.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-56394 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:06:11 +0000 birdcat 56394@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>DEF - Good to see ya!</p> <p>I know it's a bit odd but I think I've seen too many of your tutorials - I now hear your voice when I read your words....  Scary, ain't it?</p> <p>BTW - Like the new beard...  Makes you look professorish.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-56393 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:57:01 +0000 Derek Sine 56393@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for joining us. Mr. Franks, hope to see you stick around! </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-56392 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:10:52 +0000 Videopia 56392@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Woah, kinda harsh there Mr. Hester, dontcha think?! I'll take the shot on the Telly, but the rest? Really?</p> <p>(1) "piracy of elements" all clear on Fair Use (the clips are used as<br /> illustration or example). You can read up on copyright and Fair Use<br /> here: <a href="http://videopia.org/index.php/read/articles-mainmenu-229/191-fair-use-in-the-digital-age.html">Fair Use in the Digital Age</a><br />(2) Horrible lighting? That bad? I wouldn't call it genius LD, but I don't<br /> think it's horrible for a guy lighting and shooting himself, with a<br /> consumer camcorder on a strict budget, in his one car garage.<br />(3) "Babbled on" maybe you' ve got a point there, but I covered a lot of ground in 4:37 seconds, no?<br />(4) I like your idea of hanging an 8x12 foot piece of linoleum. You were<br /> thinking 8x12, right? I realize you don't want to babble on and on, but<br /> your post was short on details.<br />(5) I don' t like your idea of using 2 c-stands. Cha-ching: minimum of $200 there. Add in the $60<br /> sheet of linoleum and you' ve already exceeded my total budget for this<br /> project. And you haven't purchased paint or even a single light yet.  I<br /> guarantee my "horrible lighting" will be infinitely better than your 2<br /> c-stands + linoleum solution in your dark garage.<br />(6) "I'd consider this an example of what not to do from start to finish."<br /> Again, wow, harsh. So what would you do, from start to finish, on a<br /> $250 budget, starting from scratch? Keep in mind we'll be shooting with<br /> a consumer camcorder and, since the Videopia total budget from Camera<br /> to Computer is $5,000, we won't be editing on a dualie Mac Pro with<br /> After Effects + Keylight. The studio space is also dual use, not<br /> dedicated either and you are going to be standing a meter or so away from the back wall. </p> <p>Oh, and you have 4:37 seconds. Ready? GO!</p> <p>Seriously though, thanks for some of your genuinely useful criticism (esp. the<br /> lighting tip "...bouncing a little more white from the left in this<br /> case."). And I cringe at the Telly thing too, but I really struggle<br /> with self-marketing and thought this might be good for my brand a good<br /> for getting clients, most of whom are not in the industry. Meh, I guess<br /> it'd be a little like if I claimed to be "...the most unique,<br /> cost-effective one-man-band production company in the nation." which<br /> would surely be an unfounded bit of marketing exaggeration, even though<br /> my rates are very low, certainly less that $175/hr.</p> <p>Eric</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51576 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:53:42 +0000 composite1 51576@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Grinner,</p> <p>Yeah, I caught that. There was an inconsistency between the full-length and close-up shots when it came to lighting. As for the 'babbling', I guess it makes it more 'palatable' for the newb's watching. I still think the info was good though. Just so the newb's know, a good 'C' stand starts at $100+ each. So if you're working on the cheap, the PVC setup is good and more modular. I did a test with those clamp lights used in the video and because of the weight of the light fixture and bulb, you'll need something to add grip to the clamp so it won't tilt down on it's own. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51574 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:01:37 +0000 grinner 51574@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Well, instead of just explaining how to make a cheap cyc (lenolium hung with two c-stands works great) the dude babbled on and on, making the viewer skip to the meat. Throughout that there were elemts from spots that not only didn't add anything to the piece... they pointed out how bad the lighting on the trainer was. It was a matter of bouncing a little more white from the left in this case. </p> <p>A purcahsed trophy set it up appropriatly. I'd consider this an example of what not to do from start to finish.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51521 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:02:50 +0000 composite1 51521@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yeah, the 'Telly' bit was over the top. I like many working pros have been invited to submit work to the contest. I just couldn't get past the idea of having to 'pay $150 for the trophy' if I won. </p> <p>Grinner, please elaborate on your remarks. It's obvious that you disapprove of the video I would like more info as to why.</p> <p>Other than that, I thought for the amount spent and the availability of the components the info will be very helpful to intermediate to pro videographers looking to getting similar work done without the pro cost.</p> <p>Sarge, you're right. Greenscreen is a more likely way to do it if you have the means available. The beauty of this setup is it works just as well for other colored backgrounds including green if the shooter doesn't have a portable setup.</p> <p>Birdcat, yeah he's not a bad source of info though I am 'irked' with him as he 'punked' out with his version of 'Mac vs PC' video. On the one hand, he had finally said the words that needed to be said but to paraphrase Grinner, his lame attempt at humor killed the overall message.</p> <p>The most valuable item I got from the video was the construction of the pvc light stand. I went out and priced the parts and can build one with variable sizes for less than $60. I've also used those aluminum clamp lights as fills for greenscreen work. Eric mentioned doing your homework when buying compact flourescent bulbs (CFB's) and he's dead on. I use them exclusively in kit lights and they are great because they through out less heat than standard tungsten bulbs. However, though they come in standard and daylight intensities be advised that standard CFB's are about 1000K (Kelvin) less than a traditional 3200K bulb. Daylight CFB's average 1000K+ more than a traditional 5000K bulb and instead of having a 'reddish' tint they have a harsh blue tint. Believe it or not, both types of bulbs work well long as you understand the limitations and expose for them properly.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51509 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:17:21 +0000 grinner 51509@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> From starting that vid with a proud Telly to the piracy of elements to the horriple lighting on the guy talking, I'm hoping this was meant to be a viral comedy.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51504 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:15:44 +0000 birdcat 51504@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Eric is awesome (he's a really nice guy too!) - I have all of his vids on DVD from when he was at Digital Juice (<a href="http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/product_volumes.asp?pvid=12">DJTV</a> - Actually I have all of DJTV).  His new website - <a href="http://videopia.org/">Videopia</a> - is one of my regular sources of information.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51496 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:02:09 +0000 SargeHero 51496@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Nice video. This can also be done with greenscreen by chroma keying and then adding a White Solid. Of course, it does not look as amazing as the one presented in the video, but is a quick and cheap way to do it if you already own a greenscreen. The problem with this method is lighting the talent without over lighting the greenscreen and of course the keying process. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51493 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:20:15 +0000 Eventvideoguy 51493@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>That video was very interesting.  I was wondering how they did those all white scenes.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-make-an-infinite-white-background-cheap#post-51485 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:55:52 +0000 composite1 51485@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>From the Matrix's 'Construct' to Auto Trader's 'Virtural Dealership' to those weenie Mac commercials, the Infinite white background signifies an expensive and professionally made film/video production. Now you too for a fraction of what it would cost the pros can make your own Infinite White Background. Check out this video from Videopia to see how.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/789519">Lighting Infinite White</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/videopia">Videopia</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/backdrops#post-50375 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:27:42 +0000 neckbreakerb 50375@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Thanks guys. I ended up using a curtain in an auditorium at the school I work at. It worked great. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/backdrops#post-48101 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:18:11 +0000 birdcat 48101@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you're cutting with Sony Vegas, VASST has a great tutorial about using difference masking to replace the background:</p> <p><a href="http://www.vasst.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=705:difference-masking-unmasked-in-sony-vegas-software&amp;Itemid=73">http://www.vasst.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=705:difference-masking-unmasked-in-sony-vegas-software&amp;Itemid=73</a></p> <p>You have to register with VASST but it's free.</p> <p>They have lots of other great info about Vegas as well (not to mention some great tools and even some freebies).</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/backdrops#post-48094 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:42:09 +0000 NormanWillis 48094@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You'll just get better contrast, and you will like the results a lot better if you have a backdrop.</p> <p>Considering your subject, some of those portable, foldable Japanese screens might work well against the back wall.  Just a thought.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/backdrops#post-48062 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:06:06 +0000 CraftersOfLight 48062@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>My thoughts...</p> <p>If you run your camera on any form of auto, gain, level, iris, focus, it is very hard for the camera to give you good images when against a white backdrop. Lighting is very difficult to manage. you may get washed out scenes or the details are too dark to make out. Focus is hard, manual or auto, when you have to adjust all the other elements of the camera because of all the action and constant scene change due to your talent. If your talent are dressed in white, it may become difficult to see their details against a white set.</p> <p>Your best bet is a more neutral or natural color backdrop.</p> <p>How big a "set" are you trying to dress? Could a new disposable painters tarp (tan paper on a plastic backing from Home Depot/Lowes) or maybe a cheap bed sheet (Target, Kmart) be big enough?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/backdrops#post-48046 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:36:46 +0000 neckbreakerb 48046@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'm going to be shooting training videos for some karate classes that I teach.  I've been told not to shoot against a white background.   I'm assuming that because of the shadows the lighting will create.  Is that accurate?  I've purchased a muslin backdrop; but I don't think it will arrive in time for my first shoot.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a cheep backdrop solution? </p>