When it comes to making a video, creators now have access to tools and technology that once seemed like a work of science fiction. It’s never been more exciting to create video content, but with a hefty list of options on where and how your video can be filmed, it’s also never been more confusing.
You might have found yourself scratching your head about your next video project, wondering what the best way to film it is for maximum impact. That’s what we’re here to help with today. We’re here to go over the basics of green screen filming vs filming on location.
One of the more recent advances in shooting content is green screen technology, which lets you replace the background of a scene with pretty much anything you can imagine. As a result, you can transport your video far and wide without the need for a costly plane (or even rocket) ticket. Not only can it transport your video anywhere, but it also allows for other creative elements such as seamlessly incorporating your branding into the video.
But then on the other hand, you have good old filming on-location… There’s something about the authenticity and texture that comes with filming on-location that adds more depth to your project. And while green screens are good at what they do, the jury is still out on whether they can really emulate the feeling that a real-life place brings.
So when should you use green screen filming and when is it better to go on-location? Both methods have their pros and cons, and the answer often depends on the specifics of your project.
WHY CHOOSE GREEN SCREEN?
- Green screen provides you with unlimited possibilities, allowing you to defy the constraints of reality so that the only limit is your imagination.
- It is the more cost-effective option as the chroma key technology can transport your video anywhere without the need for unnecessary spending on travel.
- Shooting outdoors can be a nightmare when the weather doesn’t cooperate- which let’s be real, in England, it rarely ever does. Green screens eliminate this variable entirely and you have complete control over lighting, time of day and overall ambience.
- Green screen filming is also convenient and lets you skip the logistical headaches that sometimes come with location shooting like photobombers and obtaining a filming permit.
WHY NOT CHOOSE GREEN SCEEN?
- Editing green screen footage is no walk in the park. It requires skilled VFX artists, high-end software and time, so you’ll need a professional team to edit your footage. This is especially important because poorly edited green screen can ruin the illusion.
- No matter how good your green screen setup is, it’s hard to replicate the organic feel of a real-world location. If an authentic feel is what you’re after, an on-location shoot might be more suitable for your project.
WHY CHOOSE SHOOTING ON LOCATION?
- There’s no substitute for the real thing. Shooting in an actual location provides a level of detail and atmosphere that’s hard to fake. With natural lighting and sounds, everything just feels more genuine.
- Being on location can sometimes help the people on-screen to fully immerse themselves into their roles because they’re surrounded by the right environment.
- Filming in the real world often comes with the benefit of built-in production design, meaning these details won’t need to be recreated as they’re already there.
- Real locations can resonate more with audiences as the environment is more recognisable.
WHY NOT CHOOSE SHOOTING ON LOCATION?
- Depending how far afield your on-location shoot is, you may need to consider permits, transportation and accommodations which can be difficult, costly and time-consuming.
- Sadly, Mother Nature doesn’t care about your production schedule and you can’t predict what the conditions will be on the day of your shoot. If you do choose to shoot on-location, you have to be prepared for the weather to potentially hinder your plans or ensure that alternative plans are in place.
- Unlike in a controlled studio environment, locations in the real world can have distractions like noisy traffic and curious onlookers which can get in the way of your filming. While this isn’t always detrimental to your shoot, it’s something to consider.
So which should you choose?
The answer really does depend on what you’re filming, what your budget is and the level of realism you want.
If you want to control every detail of the environment, make use of complex visual effects or you need to shoot something in an otherworldly setting, use a green screen.
If you want an authentic, natural look that resonates with the audience, if your scenes rely on real-world elements and you have the budget to manage an on-location shoot effectively, film at a location.
What about the best of both worlds?
If you’re torn between the two, why not combine them? Many big productions use a mix of both green screens and real locations. You can film key scenes on location to establish realism and use green screens for more complex shots.
Like anything, both green screens and on-location filming have their strengths and weaknesses. Your choice depends on your project’s specific needs, resources and vision. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that brings your vision to life in the most effective way possible.
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