24/09/06 - GREEN SCREEN VOODOO

Heh readers.....a quick update on some shooting I just did only hours ago. My good friend and fine actress Karolyn came round to my place to shoot a green screen (ok ok...Chromakey for you budding filmmakers!) section for the film.

This was where Gaylon's mother, a voodoo priestess, appears in the clouds (in footage already shot) and will instruct him.

I knew this was always going to be a green screen job.
The kit (if interested) is a poratble kit bag packup of two spring released stands and 4 poles that all fit into a handy sized carryable kit bag. Combined with the cloth itself it can reach heights of about 12 feet and length of about 18 feet...ideal for most situations.
However....todays post is more to do with improv.
I was not expecting to do this shoot tonight as did not have correct lighting to hand (to sufficiently light the green screen effectively). However, the actress was fired up to do it and who am I not to reward enthusiasm!

So, dont have lighting...what's wrong with an Ikea spotlight and normal room Halogen lights?
Don't have white face paint for bone style lip paint....I am sure toothpatse mixed with water and applied with a chop stick will do the job?!

Dont have "crew" to hold reflectors...come on guys...your sofa will surely do it!

So...basically....a lesson in on the fly, quick set up, imroved Green Screen filming. So before you go rent that studio, those lights, and those crew.....have another think.....!

And a HUGE thanks to Karolyn for some killer work and getting into the Gaylon spirit! Brilliant work!