Call it green-screen, blue-screen, or chroma-key, the technique of removing a solid color background so you can put your actors into an entirely different environment is a mainstay of effects today.

In this Final Cut tutorial by Larry Jordan, you'll learn step-by-step techniques to create good looking keys using Final Cut Pro. Then, explore the power third-party keying software provides to take your keys to the next level. Along the way, we'll illustrate significant production points to keep in mind to help make your keys look great -- from selecting the right video format and software to proper lighting techniques for talent and background.

NOTE: To make the most of this session, you should have Final Cut Pro 6 or later installed. We illustrate how to use the keying software supplied inside Final Cut Pro, along with third-party plug-ins that provide even better results. Third-party plug-ins are available separately.

Audience Level
This session is helpful to any Final Cut Pro editor looking to improve the quality of their keys. Familiarity with the Final Cut Pro interface, a basic knowledge of how to use filters, and access to green-screen footage will be helpful.

Content Outline
 • Define what chroma-keying is
 • Provide five "Keys to Great Keys"
 • Illustrate backgrounds that are easy, or difficult, to key
 • Show how to use video scopes to determine if your background is lit properly
 • Provide guidance on how to pick the right video format
 • Provide guidance on how to choose the best background surface
 • Provide guidance on choosing the best background color
 • Provide thoughts on staging talent in a green screen environment
 • Highlight a new business opportunity on creating green-screen backgrounds as part of PRE-production
 • Provide additional resources for learning more and getting the best software for your needs
 • Demo: Show how to setup clips in the Timeline to create a key
 • Demo: Show how to apply and use the Primatte RT keyer inside Final Cut Pro
 • Demo: Show how to use garbage mattes to clean up a key
 • Demo: Show how to use the BCC Chroma Keyer to achieve clean keys with bad lighting
 • Demo: Show how to create a key with a natural-looking cast shadow
 • Demo: Show how to use Primatte Keyer Pro 4 to create a clean key for an actress with blowing, blonde hair
 • Demo: Show how to create a key with an actress and dramatic lighting
 • Demo: Show how to create a clean key involving translucent material
 • Demo: Show how to create a clean key with talent using phyical props (like a chair or counter)
 • Demo: Show how to create a transition key using two colors (green and blue)
 • Demo: Show how nested sequences can solve keying problems