How to Make Custom Backdrops for the Movies
Creating a visually appealing backdrop is an important part of building a good movie set. The backdrop you construct should blend into the scene, providing visual support without making itself obvious to the audience. The type of backdrop you make for your film will depend on the type of film you're shooting, as well as your budget.
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Instructions
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1
Sketch a rough drawing of a backdrop you'd like to use for a particular scene. This does not have to be detailed or beautiful. Rather, it should indicate the basic layout of the background. For example, if you're shooting a that's supposed to take place near a mountain, your sketch will indicate the rough outline of a mountain in the background.
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Determine the necessary dimensions of your backdrop. If your scene contains a lot of movement, such as actors walking from side to side or toward the backdrop, you'll need a large backdrop. If your scene happens in a smaller space without significant movement, the backdrop can be small.
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3
Paint the backdrop. If the backdrop is very large, you'll probably need to use cloth as a canvas. Smaller backdrops can be made with poster board.
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4
Film a test run of your scene. After reviewing the footage, you might decide that you want to make some change or additions to your backdrop, either to increase its realism or reduce its visual priority within the scene.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider using a computer program to make your backdrop digitally. You can then film your scene in front of a green screen and use a chroma key to insert your backdrop later.
Don't expect a custom backdrop to offer the same level of realism as location filming. The quality of your backdrop will depend on your painting skill.
