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History of Green Screen Hollywood
Green screen Hollywood technology, AKA chroma key is a technique used by filmmakers to mix two separate photographs together. This works by making the background ( a solid color which is usually green or blue ) transparent in order to show another image which is the particular background that’ll be shown on film. This method of filming is often referred to as color keying, blue screen, and color separation overlay ( CSO ). It was basically used for weather reports. Forecasters were shot in front of chroma key screens and the background got replaced by tangible maps that indicate weather forecasts . The chroma key technique is also employed by filmmakers and photographers alike.
The green screen first made its appearance in the 1930’s at RKO Radio pictures. The backdrop used back then was blue. This technique of film making was developed in order to create computer effects for the film “The burglar of Bagdad.” except for the chroma key methodology, filmmakers relied on an especially boring and time intensive process called “travelling matte.” This made transition like “wipes” practical.
Larry servant is thought to be answerable for pioneering the blue screen method. In fact, he even took home an Academy Award for visible effects for his work in “The thief of Bagdad.” After his success in the 30’s, servant was the first one to use chroma key technology in Technicolor, paving the way for modern green screen Hollywood technology.
The 1st films to benefit from Chroma Key technology was the flick adaptation of Ernest Hemingway famous novella, “The Old Man and the Sea,” starring Spencer Tracy. After the “Old Man and the Sea,” more and more films used the chroma key system. Some famous film which make use of chroma key technology are The Empire Strikes Back, Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Star Trek, and even three hundred. Films that utilize CGI or PC generated photographs are also made with the assistance of green screen technology. This is how having out of this world settings and amazing creatures are able to be shown on film.
Today, green screen Hollywood technology isn’t just confined to massive budget studios. It’s also used in photography. From the initial blue screen, green was used later on because filmmakers discovered that a green background doesn’t need tedious lighting. Cameras are most attuned to this color, so the outcome of films shot on green screens are more easy to work with and manipulate. While acknowledging that, chroma key technology is now known to photographers and filmmakers’ best chum.
There are a lot of other websites offering various forms of advice on how to use green screen but a lot of them are not very specific or precise. Before following these, be sure to check my own articles and reviews on and , You can also reach me at 1-323-851-3825 or phillipguy@hotmail.com
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