Advanced, Experimental VFX Animation and Techniques.
Blog WK#7 (Feb 17), Green Screen
Blog WK#7 (Feb 17), Green Screen
Green Screen: A History Starting with the Black Matte
In 1898, Georges Melias introduced a process of imposing black painted glass in front of the camera lens, thus blocking certain portions of the film from developing. This effort, all of which took place within the camera, is historically remarkable as establishing the use of a ‘black matte’ technique for video. In 1918, Frank Williams further developed this concept for use outside the camera, i.e. his 'travelling matte' technique modified the black painted glass matte to allow for compositing to occur in the dark room. In the mid-late 1920's and the 1930's, Dodge Dunning introduced a new technique referred to as the ‘Bluescreen Process’ which involved actors being shot in bright yellow light against a blue background, a technique that was used for B+W film only.
In 1940, Larry Butler further developed a blue screen with travelling matte technique to include an optical printer, a process that was allowed for use of color film. In 1959, Petro Vlahos elevated the technology of the keying and compositing process with a technique referred to as the Sodium Vapor Process, which was used almost exclusively by Disney for years. In 1975, Richard Edmund and John Dyrsyk developed a quad optical printer and programmable computerized camera system which enhanced blue screen techniques because it was capable of performing exactly the same shot repeatedly. Finally, from the 80's onward, in concert w further developments in computers, TV and broadcasting, blue screen techniques were replaced by chromakey techniques based on green screen, which prioritized neon green backdrops because of minimal overlap of colors within skin tones (2019).
In 1898, Georges Melias introduced a process of imposing black painted glass in front of the camera lens, thus blocking certain portions of the film from developing. This effort, all of which took place within the camera, is historically remarkable as establishing the use of a ‘black matte’ technique for video. In 1918, Frank Williams further developed this concept for use outside the camera, i.e. his 'travelling matte' technique modified the black painted glass matte to allow for compositing to occur in the dark room. In the mid-late 1920's and the 1930's, Dodge Dunning introduced a new technique referred to as the ‘Bluescreen Process’ which involved actors being shot in bright yellow light against a blue background, a technique that was used for B+W film only.
In 1940, Larry Butler further developed a blue screen with travelling matte technique to include an optical printer, a process that was allowed for use of color film. In 1959, Petro Vlahos elevated the technology of the keying and compositing process with a technique referred to as the Sodium Vapor Process, which was used almost exclusively by Disney for years. In 1975, Richard Edmund and John Dyrsyk developed a quad optical printer and programmable computerized camera system which enhanced blue screen techniques because it was capable of performing exactly the same shot repeatedly. Finally, from the 80's onward, in concert w further developments in computers, TV and broadcasting, blue screen techniques were replaced by chromakey techniques based on green screen, which prioritized neon green backdrops because of minimal overlap of colors within skin tones (2019).
