Question:
How to use Green Screen & CGI FX for film?
?
2013-12-04 20:52:23 UTC
So my film I wrote got picked up by a independent film company. it is somewhat action filled and we film in a warehouse that is almost completely filled with Green Screens on all the walls.

Green Screen Questions:

1. Is it possible to move the camera (following the actors in one shot) as the actors are walking along the green screen to get a more real effect, or does the camera have to stay in one place.

2. How to (in the editing process) upload videos on the green screen on loop to make it look like we are actually in the place and not just a cheesy still picture.

3. Can I put props and walls in front of a green screen so some objects are there. (Cars, Boxes, Walls)

4. Can I film certain locations myself or do I have to use videos that are made for Green Screen?

CGI Questions:

1. How and where can I find CGI software? I have googled it and have had no luck.

2. How would I go about creating other characters (Monsters) with CGI
Five answers:
?
2013-12-05 13:26:01 UTC
Based on the nature of your questions it is obvious you are new and completely unfamiliar with this process. It is highly recommended you consult and recruit an expert in the visual effects arena.

It is possible for an individual to do it themselves, but it is a steep learning curve and not worth the risk of wasting precious time and money on ignorant mistakes.



Green screen

1. Yes you can move the camera, but it will complicate compositing the background.

If you restrict the camera movement to pan and tilt only its not so difficult to track. If you move the camera on a dolly or hand-held, then it gets very complicated. In any case, you have to record some form of reference data to establish the camera position. For a static lock-down camera you need to note the camera's height from the floor and tilt angle, and roll if there is any.

If you move the camera you need to mark the green screen with some kind of reference objects that the camera can see. These will be used to track the camera movement in post. Any sort of random symbol placed at regular intervals will do. Then the symbols must be measured. This is usually done with a surveyor's transit. Any other objects in the shot should be measured also.

These rules generally apply to shots requiring a CG background. If you are adding a live filmed background it is more difficult to do moving camera shots. That requires motion control cameras or a synthetic background plate constructed of stitched still images. Very complicated.

Research Matchmoving or Camera Tracking.



2. This is the compositing process. It requires capable software such as After Effects and some knowledge of the process. Impossible to explain here without writing a book. Consult a book.



3. Yes. The more of the set you build on stage the less you have to create in CG. It also provides the actors with some sort of spacial reference.



4. Yes you can film the backgrounds yourself, but you need to know what you are doing. Generally you cannot move the camera. You need to shoot the backgrounds at the same camera height and tilt angle as the greenscreen elements, or vise versa, depending on which was shot first.



CG

1. Google Compositing software, 3d Animation, Matchmove or tracking software.

2. 3d animation. An whole other subject too big to discuss.



Find an effects professional. You are in way over your head.
orocio
2016-12-25 02:34:47 UTC
Cgi Fx
Paul
2015-07-27 07:41:20 UTC
Low-Cost Alternative:



Blender; $0 or $10/month

http://blender.org



Ask yourself: Is Blender good enough?



Blender has a complete VFX pipeline in one single software package.



In Blender you get tools similar to Maya (animation), 3ds Max (modifiers), ZBrush (sculpting), FumeFX (fire and smoke), RealFlow (fluids), RayFire (destruction), Mocha (planar tracking), Boujou (matchmoving), Arnold (rendering), After Effects (motion graphics), and Nuke (compositing).



All of these tools are far from perfect, but they're getting better every day.



Motion Tracking in Blender: A short tutorial by Sebastian Koenig.

http://vimeo.com/79032879



Blender is FREE with full functionality and you're allowed to use Blender in any production without having to pay for anything.



Only you know if Blender is good enough for your projects needs and requirements.



Blender Cycles Reel 2015

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wDRTjzLNK0g
Coffey23
2013-12-04 21:20:22 UTC
Depending on what your job is, you may not have to worry about it. If you're the writer or the director, all you have to do is explain your vision of what you want to show up on the green screen/CGI and the FX guys (or whoever) will take care of it.
2016-03-10 04:54:05 UTC
Sony Vegas Pro 9 is probably the most useful on a cheap budget. If you find any good tutorials, email them to me please; I'm also learning. :P


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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