How to make a Really Cheap Green Screen

DISCLAIMER and FAQ:
This video is quite a bit old, and since the time I first posted it, I've gotten a lot of comments and questions.

1 ) YES! This video has bad Green Screen Keying -
But it's not because of the green screen. This is due to the editing software I was using at the time (back in 2010.) These days, newer and updated editing software is available that has improved the keying effect tremendously! Adobe Premier, Final Cut Pro, Sony Vegas and Adobe After Effects are just a few out there that work great with green screen keying.

2) Green screens are now much cheaper -
Because video editing software has improved over the years and green screen keying has become increasingly popular and much more affordable. At the time this video was made, the cheapest green screen kit available was over $200. Now, you can find green screen cloth and stands sometimes as cheap as 20 bucks.

3 ) Lighting is everything -
If you're setting up a green screen shot for your videos, how you light the scene is most important. Make sure that your light source is soft, and doesn't cast harsh shadows on your green screen. The more even your lighting, the easier keying out the green will be.

4 ) It doesn't have to be Green -
In the 90's and before, Green screen was typically BLUE. The chroma keying effect will work with any solid color background as long as your subject does not wear the same color, or their clothing will be keyed out with it. If you have a vivid, bright blue screen, the effect will work just as well. Today, we use Green primarily because not many people wear that color Green, Green is further from skin tones, and because digital cameras today have more Green sensors than Blue or Red.

5 ) This is Quick, Cheap and Temporary -
The Green poster board used in this video is meant to serve as a quick, cheap and temporary solution. It's perfect for situations where a green screen will need to be set up quickly and easy, but not for an extended period of time. It's very useful in situations where it would be difficult to set up a full green screen kit. If you need to film an interview in a private location, using 4 pieces of the green poster board will help with Close up shots.

6 ) There are lots of ways to make your own green screen -
If you're planning on using a green screen regularly, you can always paint a wall in your house for a permanent fixture. Just be sure you have a bright vivid color of green paint AND that you purchase flat, no gloss paint, as gloss will reflect lights. If you don't want to paint a wall, you can buy a thin sheet of wood or paneling, and paint that instead.

You may be able to find green cloth material at a fabric store, and tack it to a wall with push pins or staples. If you use cloth, just be sure that you get a smooth, wrinkle free surface.

and most importantly

7 ) I don't look like Ted Mosby anymore!

I hope this video and these tips are helpful to you all, and thanks for watching my video. If you have any other suggestions or tips, at them to the comment section.