How to Shoot for VFX on a Low Budget

Making your own movies can be very fun as well as rewarding, but visual effects can make your films much better and cooler to watch. Making visual effects can be very hard. The same goes for the cost, because if you are George Lucas, you are spending millions to make them. However, this article will show you how to shoot for VFX on a low budget by creating a "green screen effect."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Digital Video Camera
• Several Green Sheets
• Closed Off Room
• Various Background Images
• Costume
• Video Editing Software

Shooting Visual Effects on the Cheap

1. Write your story.

2. Dress your actor in a costume.

3. Hang your green sheet on a flat wall to cover the entire length and height of the wall.

4. Set your camera up in the position you want to begin at.

5. Lay a green sheet on the floor running to the base of your camera.

6. Connect your camera to the computer and make sure everything is turned on.

7. Start filming.

8. Have your actor walk through the scene, panning the camera as they move.

9. Turn off camera.

10. Edit the footage by entering into your video editing software.

11. Drag and drop your images into the frames you want them to appear.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with lighting, backgrounds and situations.
• Green screen allows you to remove and replace a background seamlessly.
• To make "cut scenes" select several frames to drop a background in then select remaining frames to drop a different image.
• Add props and movements to make your scene come alive.
• Take care in making any special effect at home, as some can be dangerous if you're not a professional.