We hear this concern from time to time:
“Will a green screen video look fake?”
Our answer? Not if it’s lit correctly.

Why Lighting Is the Secret Sauce

Green screen magic doesn’t happen in post-production alone. It starts on set. Without properly matched lighting, your background might look pristine while your subject feels off—misplaced shadows, a weird glow, or a lighting mismatch that viewers subconsciously notice.

The key to realism is this:
Your subject must be lit as if they’re in the environment you’re compositing into. If your digital backdrop features warm afternoon sunlight, you better believe your subject needs to be lit from that direction, with similar warmth and intensity. StudioBinder breaks this down with diagrams and lighting tips to help bridge the gap between virtual and believable.

3 Must-Know Tips for Realistic Green Screen Lighting

1. Even Lighting on the Screen

Uneven lighting causes hotspots and shadows—making it harder for software to key out the green cleanly.
Use softboxes or LED panels with diffusion to get an even wash across the background. Litepanels offers a great breakdown on using soft, consistent lighting to avoid keying headaches.

2. Separate the Subject

Don’t glue your subject to the screen. Keep at least 4–6 feet of distance to reduce green spill (that ghostly green glow on skin and hair). Backlights or rim lights can help define edges and make the person pop.

3. Match the “Scene” Lighting

You need to match the lighting of the fake scene to your real subject. If your background is a bright beach, you’ll need to mimic high, natural sunlight. If it’s an office, softer and diffused lights may be better. Check out PremiumBeat’s practical guide on chroma key fundamentals to see this principle in action.

When Green Screen Goes Right

Think green screen always looks fake? Tell that to Disney+. The Mandalorian famously uses virtual sets and LED backgrounds combined with strategic lighting to create some of the most visually stunning environments on TV—without leaving the studio.

The takeaway? Lighting sells the scene.

Partner with Pros Who Know the Difference

At Mad Men Marketing, we bring a film-first mindset to every green screen shoot. Whether you’re creating digital ads, corporate videos, or social media content, we understand how to light, shoot, and composite with precision—so your final product feels seamless.

Meet our team of video specialists, producers, and post pros.
Have a green screen idea in mind? Contact us to get your next video project rolling.

The post Will a Green Screen Video Shoot Look Fake? appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Pre-Production: Laying the Groundwork for Success

Before any camera is switched on, thorough planning is essential. Pre-production is the phase where the blueprint for the video is created. Here’s what it entails:

• Concept Development: Every great video starts with a strong concept. This is where we brainstorm and develop creative ideas that align with your brand message, target audience, and campaign goals. Whether it’s a product demo, a story-driven ad, or a behind-the-scenes feature, the concept isn’t just driving the process; it’s the foundation for everything else.
• Scriptwriting: Once the concept is solidified, we craft a script that outlines the narrative, key messages, dialogue, and pacing. The script serves as the backbone of the video, providing clarity and direction.
• Storyboarding: Storyboards are visual representations of each shot. These sketches guide the camera angles, transitions, and scenes, ensuring everyone is on the same page about the video’s flow.
• Casting & Talent Selection: Depending on the project, casting might involve finding the perfect actors, voice-over artists, or even featuring real employees. We seek talent that authentically represents the brand in order to best resonate with your target audience.
• Location Scouting & Permits: We identify the ideal filming locations—whether it’s on-site at your business, in-studio, or in a scenic outdoor space—and handle any necessary permits or permissions.
• Equipment & Crew Coordination: Every successful shoot requires the right tools. We determine the necessary equipment—cameras, lighting, sound gear—and assemble a skilled crew, ranging from video directors, audio engineers, and post-production experts who will be putting together the final product.

Production: Bringing the Vision to Life

This is the “lights, camera, action” phase—the moment when all of our careful planning comes together in a live shoot. Production involves:

• Setup: Our team arrives beforehand to set up the equipment, including cameras, lighting rigs, audio recording devices, and props as needed. The setup ensures that every shot looks and sounds its best.
• Directing the Shoot: The director and crew guide the talent, capturing scenes based on the storyboard and script. We monitor lighting, sound, framing, and pacing to ensure we’re achieving the desired visual and emotional impact while remaining true to the over-arching concept.
• Multiple Takes & Adjustments: Perfection often requires multiple takes. We adjust lighting, angles, and performances to capture the best possible footage. Flexibility and creativity are key in this stage.
• On-the-Fly Problem Solving: No shoot is without surprises. Our experienced crew handles unexpected challenges, from weather changes & technical issues to last-minute staffing needs, ensuring we stay on track.

Post-Production: Crafting the Final Masterpiece

Once filming wraps, post-production begins. This is where we transform the raw footage into a cohesive, polished video. Key steps include:

• Editing: Our editors review and select the best takes, cut and sequence footage, and assemble an initial rough draft of the video. They fine-tune pacing, transitions, and overall structure to achieve the desired narrative flow.
• Sound Design & Audio Mixing: Clear, high-quality audio is crucial. We mix dialogue, add sound effects as needed, and integrate background music that complements the tone and emotion of the video.
• Visual Effects (VFX) & Graphics: If needed, we add visual effects, motion graphics, text overlays, or animations to enhance visual appeal and convey key information.
• Color Correction & Grading: We adjust the color balance, contrast, and saturation of the footage to create a consistent and professional look that matches your brand aesthetic.
• Revisions & Client Feedback: We collaborate with you to review the initial cut and make any requested changes. This iterative process ensures the final product meets your vision and campaign objectives.
• Final Delivery & Formats: Once approved, we export the video in the necessary formats, optimized for its intended platforms—whether it’s for social media, web, TV, or events.

Conclusion: A Winning Video Strategy

Creating an effective video involves creativity, technical expertise, and a clear strategy. Our team is dedicated to delivering videos that captivate audiences, elevate your brand, and drive results. Every step is handled with precision and care, from concept to final cut. Ready to bring your brand’s story to life? Contact us to get started on your next video masterpiece!

The post Lights, Camera, Action! What Goes Into a Video Shoot at Mad Men Marketing appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Understand the Basics of Lighting

Before diving into specific techniques, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of lighting:

• Intensity: The brightness of the light.
• Color Temperature: Measured in Kelvin (K), this describes the color of the light. Daylight with a clear sky is between 5000K-6500K, while tungsten lights are around 2500K-3500K.
• Direction: The angle at which light hits your subject affects shadows and highlights.
• Quality: Refers to how hard or soft the light is. Hard light creates sharp shadows, while soft light produces a gentle transition between light and shadow.

Use Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is a standard method used in video and photo production. It involves three primary light sources:

• Key Light: The main light that shines directly on the subject, providing most of the illumination and defining the subject’s shape.
• Fill Light: A secondary light placed opposite the key light to fill in shadows created by the key light, ensuring the subject is evenly lit.
• Back Light (or Rim Light): Placed behind the subject, this light helps to separate the subject from the background, adding depth and dimension.

Choose the Right Equipment

Selecting the appropriate lighting equipment is crucial:

• LED Lights: Energy-efficient and versatile, LEDs allow you to adjust both intensity and color temperature.
• Softboxes: These diffuse light, creating a soft, even illumination that’s ideal for reducing harsh shadows.
• Reflectors: Use these to bounce light onto your subject, filling in shadows without the need for additional light sources.
• Light Stands and Clamps: Ensure your lights are securely positioned and easily adjustable.

Positioning Your Lights

Proper positioning of your lights is key to achieving the desired effect:

• Key Light: Position it at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s front and above eye level to create natural-looking shadows.
• Fill Light: Place it opposite the key light, at about the same height, but at a lower intensity to avoid creating competing shadows.
• Back Light: Set it up behind the subject, elevated, and angled towards their back. This light should be subtle but enough to outline the subject.

Control Your Environment

The environment in which you’re shooting also plays a significant role:

• Background: Choose a background that complements your subject. Keep it simple to avoid distractions.
• Ambient Light: Be aware of ambient light sources such as windows. To maintain control over your lighting setup, you might need to block or diffuse natural light.
• Color and Reflective Surfaces: Consider the colors and surfaces in your shooting area. Bright or reflective surfaces can bounce light unpredictably, affecting your setup.

Adjusting for Different Subjects

Different subjects require different lighting approaches:

• People: Soft, even lighting is generally more flattering. Use softboxes or umbrellas to diffuse the light.
• Products: Highlight the product’s features with harder light to create defined shadows and emphasize textures.
• Large Objects: Ensure even lighting across the entire object. To achieve this, you may need multiple key and fill lights.

Test and Adjust

Always test your setup before the actual shoot:

• Take Test Shots: Capture test images or footage and review them to check for unwanted shadows, hot spots, or color imbalances.
• Make Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to move lights, adjust intensity, or add diffusion materials until you achieve the desired look.

Proper lighting is an art that requires practice and experimentation. By understanding the basics, using the right equipment, and carefully positioning your lights, you can create visually stunning content that beautifully highlights your subject. Remember, the key to mastering lighting is to keep testing and adjusting until you achieve the perfect shot. Happy shooting!

Ready to take your video and photo production to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how our expert team can help you create stunning visuals for your brand!

The post How to Properly Light a Stationary Subject for Video and Photo Production appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.