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How to Use Blue Screen for Effects

Blue screening allows filmmakers to create the appearance that people or objects are in locations where they really aren't. For example, a scene in a movie that features Superman flying through the air is actually the scenery and the actor filmed separately. The actor is either positioned on a blue support beam, or hanging from a wire rope to give the impression that he is flying. This film technique has become so perfected over the years that the blue screen scenes look seamless.

Things You'll Need

  • Film editing equipment
  • A bright blue screen
  • Filming equipment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shoot the scenery that you want to be included in the shot. In the film and television business, this is call a background plate.

    • 2

      Position the actors or objects in front of a bright-blue screen. Have them act out the scene while they are aware of the scenery that was previously shot.

    • 3

      Use two mattes in the editing process. One matte should be of the actor in a black silhouette against a white background. The second matte should be the actor's silhouette in white and the background in black.

    • 4

      Combine the mattes and run them through a red filter.

    • 5

      Combine the two original shots with the two mattes and this will complete the illusion.

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