OT: Green Screen for the classroom

p@mast3rs wrote on 9/26/2006, 7:45 AM
Ok, heres my new problem. I have purchased Ultra 2 for my TV Production class for our daily news broadcast. Our budget has been nearly depleted other than what we have left for lighting.

We dont have the fund to purchase a full green screen so we will have to make our own. We have brick walls (gray cinder blocks) currently painted garnet (maroon) and have the option of purchasing green paint (unsure of the color code number for paint stores to mix) and to paint the walls for use in the studio. Only problem with that scenario would mean that the floor would be left white so doing a full complete green screen with feet/etc...

Other options would be to buy a canvas and paint it green or to purchase some green cloth from an arts and craft store and hang it but wrinkling would be a concern.

Anyone have any ideas or recommendations on what I should do or pick? Pros/Cons are appreciated.

Comments

kkolbo wrote on 9/26/2006, 8:09 AM
If you buy cloth from the craft store, you will have problems doing a full length screen becasue the seams will drive you nuts.

If you paint a hard cyc, you will need to create a smooth transition curve to the floor from the wall. That will take materials.

The only cheap method of doing it is to do a 3/4 shot screen without the transition to the floor. I like to use green fleece as a cloth taped on a wall.

If you paint a piece of masonite and screw it to the wall, I have found the same thing that DJ did, Reptar Green from the Nickolodian paint palete works well.

I found that for a full length with floor screen, tring to improvise a solution cost just as much as a cheap 8x16 one from B&H, $129. I set it up once and then I steam it in place to kill the wrinkles.

You need to come up and see what we are doing. We have recreated the wheel many times and it might save you from doing it too.
p@mast3rs wrote on 9/26/2006, 8:52 AM
Keith, much thanks and appreciation. Ill get with my principal and see what day I can take off to come out and check out your production. Are there any days that are good or bad for your classes to have visitors?
kkolbo wrote on 9/26/2006, 1:29 PM
They are all just as crazy.
p@mast3rs wrote on 9/26/2006, 1:36 PM
Well the reason I ask is because I have to get approval from my principal first so I dont end up having to waste a personal/sick day on it and still get paid.