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Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 29, 2003

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Chroma Keying

by Hamza Ahmad
Chroma (Color) keying, is commonly referred to blue-screening or green-screening, since these are the colors commonly used in the process. What process may this be? A simple process. 1) Actors/props are filmed in front of a well lighted blue or green wall or screen. 2) During digital editing, the green color is removed and a separate background (static or motion) is used to replace the blue areas in the screen.

Senior members have nearly perfected this process, seeing as we don't use professional green or blue screens due to financial problems. The members were clever enough to buy pre-colored project boards and carefully tape them together. But these boards don't last very long... they fade and tear. But the cost of these cheap self-made blue and/or green screens are less than $100 for a 5' X 8' screen. A professional green screen could cost several hundred dollars. No budget on any film the film club members have made is that high.

But the school sure could use a blue screen studio. It would be perfect. Background can be digitally added, removing the need for building sets for projects like McD News and other school related film projects. If well thought out, a sufficient studio can be built for less than $1000, including the screen, lighting and a nice overhead boom microphone. If you are interested in providing funds for a studio, contact the Sr. Geralyn.