Last year I showed you how to build your own green screen for less than $25. Today I’ll show you where and why to buy one.
You’re smart, creative and realize people consume media differently. That’s probably one reason you want to use a green screen to add compelling videos to sites like YouTube.
I’ve been researching these screens for a long time, mostly because I admire people like Cali Lewis. She is a host over at the online show GeekBeat TV and films all her videos in front of a green screen. The end result is a professional video that used to only be possible at a high end studio (check out Cali’s videos).
Side Note: Cali went from regular day job to full time host of GeekBeat after her part time hobby turned into a viral hit. That gets two thumbs up from SMC.
Getting Out of the Basement
When I built my first chroma key ready stand with green fabric cover I wasn’t shooting ‘out in the field’. But the reality is a lot of you may travel for work or need some portability to shoot videos. That’s why I recommend grabbing a collapsable background.
Next you’ll need a simple software program (I use FinalCut since I own a Mac). Then stand in front of the background when capturing a movie and you can add any image you like behind the production!
Professional Tip: Check out some lighting options for killer chroma keying. My movies always look a little dull when I don’t use proper lighting (and get an external mic for quality audio).
Great Videos are the Ultimate (Un)Marketing
Maybe you’re not sold on the whole video thing. Let me ask you: How much time and money do you spend promoting yourself or your business? What are the net results of all this effort and expense?
Maybe your audience feels like they’re being ‘marketed to’.
When you build a channel on YouTube (Cost = Free) and post interesting, funny, educational or compelling movies you’re not advertising. Instead you’re entertaining, educating and informing. The end result of this (un)marketing is often…money.
Money from advertising revenue. Businesses like to profit from well produced video.
Money from consulting. People and business owners will spend for the right solution to their problem.
Money from product sales. If you feature a product without hard selling it (You know, show people how to use it instead of pitching it like the Sham Wow guy) people might buy it.
Action Step: Get your hands on a video recorder. It can be as simple as a Flip camcorder or higher up the chain like an HD camera. Next build or buy that green screen and experiment with inexpensive software to produce your first chroma key effect movie.
I’m interested to see the results and challenge you to make it happen!