Adding Actors, Both Live and Filmed, to Backgrounds in FUNDING THE ARTS

Example A (everything combined)

Example B (the background)

Example C (the actor)

You've all seen the technique of green (or blue) screen used, probably without realizing it -- such as in weather broadcasts -- with all the changing maps and the satellite photos on TV.  The way this is done is actually by having the weatherperson stand in front of a solid-colored blue or green screen. (Example C)  The maps and other backgrounds are on a separate video in the control room. (Example B)  The weatherperson sees the video on a TV monitor in the studio, so s/he will know exactly where to point.  ("It's going to rain in Boston, but here in Washington we'll have a sunny day.")  Then the actor plus the video are combined -- giving you any background you might desire. (Example A) 

To be able to realize this project, I've had to find a way to use only a desktop computer to create a myriad of sets against which the performers can act.  Various software programs can now provide you with a basic way to do this.  We used a photography studio belonging to a friend, hung a green curtain, and filmed Lawrence Leritz, as Edgar, against it. (Example C)  On the computer I then drew a lobby background with MOTION (Example B), and added the video of Lawrence to it with Final Cut Studio. (Example A)

Other live characters will also be in the scene, interacting with Edgar and using the lobby as their backdrop.

If you scroll down to the blog entry showing Gus Solomons jr standing next to himself (playing another role) you'll see another use of green screen. -- Felice Lesser