Chroma keying requires evenly lit, flat backgrounds without shadows or creases. Subjects should be far from the backdrop and avoid wearing the same color or anything shiny. When filming, use static shots and smooth down hair. In FCP, place the background in video 1 and clip in 2. Add chroma keyer filter to the clip, select the backdrop color with the eyedropper, then refine by shift-clicking remaining areas of that color.
1. Chroma Keying in FCP
Points to remember when filming to chroma key:
Pay special attention to lighting. The background should be lit as
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evenly and flatly as possible. Strive for no shadows or creases in the
backdrop.
Place your subject as far from the backdrop as possible.
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Make sure your subject is not wearing clothing or accessories that are
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the same colour as the backdrop. Or anything shiny/reflective which
may reflect your backdrop colour.
Black clothing should also be avoided as it may absorb spill.
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Smooth down any fly away hair and avoid any fringe on clothing.
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Lock down the camera and use only static shots (unless you know how
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to do motion tracking).
Chroma Keying:
Place your background into V1 and your clip into V2.
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Bring up your clip in the viewer and watch the output in the canvas.
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Crop out the edges of the clip if they are not needed.
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Effects – Video filters – Key – Chroma keyer Add the filter to your clip
Click on the chroma keyer tab at the top of the viewer.
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Select the eyedropper and click in the canvas on the green background
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Holding down the shift key, click on the remaining green background.
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All of the green background should fall away during this process.
If some of your subject falls away hit apple Z to step back.
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