Green screen

[LandyVlad]

I never got around to it previously, but I am still thinking of getting a green screen setup, but want to do so at the minimum cost.

I just bought a few LED lights (Yonguo) with stands so illumination for screen and subject (me) should be adequate but I need to know what screen setup would be best.

Probably most of what I'd do would be talking to camera while sitting so one of the smaller screens might do the job but then I might find myself wanting to try more creative things and wishing I'd chosen a different set up?

I've watched a number of YouTube tutorials (and can figure out the editing part so don't really need advice on that front).

As far as set up is concerned I know that lighting is important. - the screen needs to be well lit as does the subject and ideally the subject should be lit from behind as well to minimise green screen reflection. (Though that can probably be minimised in post, with some feathering if needs be,)

In any event I welcome input, tips, links etc from those who have some green screen experience.

[crazy-logic]

Funny you should mention it - I picked up one not long ago

Lighting and distance (physical) are more important than anything else I would say.

Professionally when doing GS, it's like a minimum of 10 lights and a painted surface or stretch canvas.

[Rhody Seth]

I picked up one for my wife on Amazon for her Zoom calls.  It's just your basic green cloth fabric.  I've used it for a couple silly videos.  You can definitely see the edges at times but it was good enough for my purposes.  I almost certainly needed more light and a better screen if I wanted to make it look more realistic.  But for my purposes it was good enough.

[JayZippo]

I have been using a green screen for about five-six years, at first mostly through work and interviews with clients and their videos, etc.

#1 rule. No seams. The screen has to be as flat as flat can be. (I bought a elgato, pull up screen (a bit pricie around 250) and it has paid for itself, if thats possible. Little issues.) I tried a green cloth, had to iron the damn thing everytime, and getting it to hand straight, etc. If you can get it flat, you should have no problems making it look seamless. Below was done with that green screen.

#2 rule. No shadows. Make the lighting as flat and soft as possible, aka - bounce it off the ceiling / walls, not directly at you.

#3. Wear black, dark clothing. Obviously not green, but keep it on the opposite side of the RGB scale if you can. Dark is better, you get cleaner lines.

Thats about it. Once you get it, its fun and looks damn good too.

[LandyVlad]

Is this the screen you mean? https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/elgato-green-screen

[JayZippo]

Yup. Thats it.

It was out of stock for about a year. The day it came back into stock, I was alerted and I bought it ASAP. Too many tubers and people I know use it and swear by it.