Shooting through a window into Greenscreen

[Matt W.]

I never suggested "faking it;" I offered the only way of compositing a real reflection naturalistically based on how light actually behaves. It's also the cheapest and most elegant way. The reading comprehension level at this site is almost mind-bogglingly low.

Obviously you don't have to take my advice, especially since going practical is always safest, but at least think about how it works before dismissing it.

 

[Brad Webb]

Matt - When I mentioned "faking it" I was not referring to your post. A few people had mentioned shooting through the window and creating a reflection plate. While this method could work, I don't feel like it would look quite right. I like the idea of having the green screen in the room, reflected off the window. That could be the way to go.

Yeah I mean you could always just rent a translight (such as http://www.westcoastbackings.com/) or even do it with a self-painted background and little LED lights for stars, cards and buildings- assuming we're at night. You can get away with murder on a long lens with the 7D if shot carefully.

Edits and sound effects go a long way toward selling the effect. And I'm a huge fan on in-camera. Better for the actors, better for the DP and you are not spending your whole life in post just getting a shot that looks unnoticeable.

Noah

Noah, this is a really great idea.

 

[Matt W.]

Sorry for that response (which wasn't targeted specifically toward you so much as at the thread in general)--it's been a bad month. I also just started a diet that makes me want to kill people, which is no help.

The only thing is, if you key it, you'll have to do some mix of roto and traditional green screen since the actor should be composited normally but the reflection of the actor (because it's pure light) should be composited additively but I think that's already clear from my prior posts. I'd consult with your compositing artist or vfx supervisor or whatever before you do anything. It sounds like an easy shot to composite but also an easy one to screw up on accident.

Of course, if you go practical there's nothing to worry about except just taking the time on set to make sure it looks right. I hope it goes well; sounds like you will be well-prepared by the time you start rolling.