Green screen: a basic guide What is a green screen? We've all seen magic carpets in films and watched TV presenters walking around a ‘virtual' background. Well, green screen (also known as chromo key) gives a similar effect. A presenter or subject stands in front of a large green background. The green colour can be removed later in production, allowing the subject to appear superimposed onto a separate background. A jungle. An ocean. A widget factory. Anywhere you like, really. Why use green screen? Talking direct to camera can be a little daunting in a workplace or in front of colleagues. At Leagus, we find that people are much happier talking in front of the green screen (it never smirks or makes rude remarks to colleagues). The footage is then added to a background or graphics later. All in all, it's a great way of putting subjects at ease and allows for a more creative presentation. What to wear Well, you might have guessed it: don't wear green! Unless you're going for a special effect (to be specific, missing body parts), your starring role in a green screen recording means that you'd better avoid wearing greens, browns and khaki. Just while the camera's pointing at you, of course. Lighting and space The trickiest part of setting up a green screen is getting the lighting right and avoiding shadows. Ideally, you'll need a large room to accommodate the screen and a high ceiling if you're filming taller subjects. Our green screen is fully portable and can be used to film head and shoulders or the entire subject. For an example of green screen in use, check out Asda, Beef Link ...read more

Finally, the big day has come, its time to shoot in front of a green screen, here are a few tips! Your video resume will be taped in front of a green screen — like your local weatherman or the big studios in Hollywood — to put you in front of different scenes. Through the magic of video, we can make the green screen "disappear" — which also means green clothing, ties, accessories and jewelry will disappear, too! So, be sure you don't wear anything green to your taping. Speaking of jewelry, sparkling "bling" jewelry can cause issues with flashing on the camera, so we don't recommend it; however, chunky large jewelry shows up well on camera, so if you have some and like the way it looks, wear it! Finally we recommend that you stay away from detailed patterns and pinstripes as they can sometimes translate into strange looking lines on web compressed video. Secret Loft Studios, LLC ...read more

10 Tips for a Great Acting Headshot   1. Lots of Personality!! Many people may have a similar look to you- it's your personality that makes you special.2. Look like your headshot. This is not a time to be a beauty queen. You need to give casting directors and clients an accurate version of yourself.3. Keep your clothing choices simple. Avoid patterns and prints in favor of solid colors. No white or very light pastels. Simple clothing helps the viewer see YOU.4. Spark the viewer's imagination. Don't dress like a nurse or a police officer. You want the viewer to be able to imagine you as many different characters from one picture.5. Go easy on the makeup! Yes, you want to look your best for your headshot, but that does NOT mean layers of eyeshadow and blush. If you can, hire a makeup artist. Keep in mind, you should pay close attention to what your makeup artist does so when you go to an audition or to meet an agent you can walk in the door looking as close to your picture as possible.6. Don't show a lot of skin! Ladies, this means no excess cleavage. Guys, keep your shirts on. Casting directors want to see you…but not that much of you!7. Keep in mind what kind of work you are trying to get. Do you want to do theater, film, or commercial work?8. It's all about the eyes. Of course your smile is important, too, but the eyes can make or break your picture. Your eyes give you the opportunity to show the layers in your personality. Rather than thinking about the viewer looking at your picture, think about you looking at the viewer.9. Face shot or ¾ shots. ¾ shots are useful to show a casting director your body type. This can be good if you are looking to do commercial work modeling clothes. Be careful, though. In a ¾ shot, your eyes can get lost.A face shot is the best way to show your eyes and your personality…Which brings me to my last tip:10. Did I mention PERSONALITY? Be yourself and show what makes you unique. ...read more