Bluescreen Compositing: A Practical Guide for Video & Moviemaking (DV Expert) [Paperback]

John Jackman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1578202833 | ISBN-13: 978-1578202836 | Publication Date: May 1, 2007 | Edition: 1

Master the art and technique of blue and greenscreen compositing with this comprehensive how-to course in creating effective and realistic composited scenes in video formats. You get clear, understandable explanations of the different types of keying techniques and how they work, including real-world examples and tutorials. Topics include setting up a greenscreen studio, how to light the screen effectively, how to light the talent or foreground material, and matching lighting to the composited background plate. Complete tutorials of each of the major software keyers walk you through the process for creating a clean and accurate composite.

* 4 color illustrations detail the art and technique of compositing
* Complete guide to studio set-up, keying and troubleshooting
* DVD packed with real-world examples and tutorial lessons

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Master the art and technique of blue and greenscreen compositing with this comprehensive how-to course in creating effective and realistic composited scenes in video formats. Written for the video professional, this book will introduce you to the arcane field of special effects compositing with clear explanations of the mechanics of the technology and the craft of creating a visual that "works" convincingly.

Learn how the different types of keying techniques work and get a practical understanding of the processes for:

* Motion and non-motion compositing solutions
* Setting up a chroma key studio
* Lighting techniques
* Costuming and art design for color-based compositing
* Reconciling different video color sample schemes
* Creating background plates and mattes
* Fixing it in post
* Live keying with a production switcher (SEG)

Detailed tutorials demonstrate the techniques for using each of the major software keyers. Software applications profiled include After Effects and Apple's Shake and other software that operate on Windows or Max OSX.

About the Author

John Jackman is an award-winning independent director and producer who has been involved in dramatic and video production since the mid-seventies. Widely regarded as an authority on digital production techniques, John has been a contributing editor to DV Magazine, and has taught workshops for NAB, the American Film Institute (AFI), Digital Video Expo, the Library of Congress, along with various film schools, colleges, and university programs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578202833
• ISBN-13: 978-1578202836
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #424,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Jackman has been involved in television and movie production for over thirty years. He was one of the early adopters of the DV format and digital production techniques. He has written far numerous industry magazines, ranging from "3D World" to "Church Production." For almost a decade he was contributing editor, regular columnist, and reviewer for "DV Magazine." He has taught professional workshops for the American Film Institute, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Library of Congress.

An ordained minister in the Moravian Church, he produces historical and faith-related films, most recently the award-winning feature film "Wesley," starring Burgess Jenkins, June Lockhart, and Kevin McCarthy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very understandable, April 4, 2008

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bluescreen Compositing: A Practical Guide for Video & Moviemaking (DV Expert) (Paperback)

Jackman takes us thru the steps in doing professional bluescreen usage for movies. Easy explanations, with accompanying descriptions of the typical equipment needed. It does not seem hard at all.

Numerous tips are given, about how to arrange lighting, what the people being filmed should wear, etc. In general, given a choice of furniture and ambient lighting, the colours of clothing need to be optimally chosen.

The book also shows how to do simple post editing. Using Adobe After Effects as the editor. Nowadays, this can help you do a lot of cleanup and enhancements on your video and stills.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cool Read, December 30, 2008

By 

S. San Filipo "MCSE" (Rosamond, Ca.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bluescreen Compositing: A Practical Guide for Video & Moviemaking (DV Expert) (Paperback)

I found this book to be a bit pricey but regardless of that it is a cool read. The book will help you understand plates and (garbage) mattes. It has tutorials and reviews on several keying programs and NLEs. It also includes a disc with various sample blue and green screen files. I think this book is great for novices. Have fun.

Steve.