How to Make a Green Screen

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

Are you interested in special effects in movies and TV? A green screen is one of the key components for making your actors appear to be somewhere they're not. It's easier to get set up than you might think. Soon, you'll be adventuring on far off planets or deep underwater (at least on the screen!).

Steps

1
Get green non-reflective fabric (felt, fleece) from the Internet or a craft store, or paint fabric green. See "Tips" below for help with the paint formula.
2
Cut the fabric to desired size.
3
Make a frame out of PVC that is slightly bigger, i.e. if fabric is 4'x 6' make frame 5' x 7'.
4
Cut holes in the fabric near its edges every foot.
5
Drill holes on the inside of the PVC frame every foot following pattern used on the fabric.
6
Loop bungee cords or strong rubber bands through holes in both the frame and fabric so that it is taut.
7
Shoot in well and evenly lit room. Enjoy!
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I make it work?

Community Answer

Use a video editing software (such as openshot) to add a chroma key filter, which allows you to replace the green screen with a video etc.
Question

Could a dark blue work as a green screen?

Community Answer

Sadly no, it can't. Chroma keys don't work. Try buying green fabric from the closest craft store.
Question

What is a good app for a green screen using Android?

Community Answer

Kinemaster or Powerdirector. These are free and can be easily downloaded from Google Play.
Question

How do I put a background on the green screen?

Community Answer

Download After Effects, then in the Animation and Presets in the Keying folder, drag the keylight option to the video. Drag the ink fill icon to the green part of the screen and add footage behind it.
Question

What kind of camera do I need for a green screen?

Community Answer

Any type of camera is fine, the green screen process is all done with the editing app.
Question

What is a good app for the Mac iOS?

Community Answer

The new update for iMovie comes with a green screen option, which easily helps to create the effect. Also, the older version of iMovie comes with it (the golden application, not the newer purple one) but that's harder to use.
Question

Can a blue screen work?

Zac 3AM

Community Answer

A blue screen will work. Just make sure that there is nothing blue in the scene other than the blue screen.
Question

Would a plaid green cloth work for the screen? Where can I get the green cloth for a green screen?

Zac 3AM

Community Answer

Yes, A plaid green cloth will work. Just make sure it's big enough for you. And you can get a plaid green cloth from a crafts store or any store selling fabrics.
Question

Can I use a green manila card when making a green screen?

Community Answer

Yes, you should be able to as long as the screen is big enough. As such, you might need quite a few pieces.
Question

Instead of using green fabric, can I use green paper or green poster board?

Community Answer

Yes, Green paper will work as long as it is not dark green. Posterboard is too reflective and thus it may not work.

Warnings

be careful when stretching the bungee cords or rubber bands

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be careful when using drill and wear safety glasses

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