Green Screens at Hybrid Events: Everything You Need To Know

An intro to green screen technology

Wondering how to use a green screen at your next virtual event, hybrid, or live stream event? Read on to learn four ways a green screen can get your audience closer to the action.

The way that we run events has changed dramatically since the pandemic, giving rise to a flood of innovation and a real game change in the quality, user experience, and audience expectations of events.

One brilliant technical element that adds huge value and impact to events is the green screen…

Why are green screens green?

A green screen enables chroma key compositing (or chroma keying) – a visual effects technique typically applied in video or post-production to seamlessly merge two images or streams together based on their hue. The result? Complete control over the background of your image, which can be manipulated in any way you wish.

Having said the clue is in the name, a green screen can theoretically be any colour, provided it is uniform. Green is a common choice as it tends not to match skin tones (any colour that matches the screen too closely will be picked up as background, causing a ‘hole’ in your image.)

What are green screens used for?

We’re used to seeing the technique used daily on our television screens, as weather forecasters use green screens to present CGI maps. Now the same kind of functionality can be added to your own event presentation

Let’s explore why green screens are used and preferred in virtual, live streaming, and hybrid events.

1. Creative presentation

Moving graphics, floating objects, interactive and manipulatable elements, and a kaleidoscope of colours – a green screen gives you the ability to transform your stage into the ultimate set.

The only limits are your imagination when it comes to green screen technology, so make sure you’re working with a production team who prides itself on an innovative and creative approach to the creation of the graphics that you put into play.

2. Flawless branding

Your print budget just shrunk significantly! Brand and instantly rebrand your full stage set at the touch of a button, switching out sponsor logos or business branding with ease.

You’ll have the ability to manipulate every element of your scene to be completely in step with the brand you’re representing, from colours to logos, fonts, and illustrative elements. Create instant recognition and a memorable association with a great event.

3. Clearer communication

Not only will your stage set look much more inviting, but you’ll also be able to choose from limitless ways of backing up the content being delivered with clever visual representations.

Show graphs expanding in 3D, move maps with the wave of a hand and give precedence to the biggest, boldest headlines or statistics with a full-width presentation. It’s a great way to bring virtual audiences right into the heart of the action, and fully immerse them in your content.

4. Speedy set-up

No more lengthy build or tear-down days! Green screens are quick to put up and pack away, and they can be adapted to just about any venue space – so if you don’t have a huge amount of space to play with, it’s not going to be an issue.

With a green screen, you’ll be able to do the bulk of your stage design prep in advance, getting your graphics created, tested and shared, so that when event day rolls around, you’re not having to worry about the cost of renting your venue for extra set up time.

It’s easy being green…

Think you might be ready to dip your toe in the exciting opportunity that green screen technology affords the modern event producer? We love the fact that, despite being almost 100 years old, this technique still offers today’s events something special, different, and highly engaging.

No two events will use a green screen in exactly the same way, and this is part of the beauty of the tactic – the ability to take a simple concept and put your own spin on things to inject all the personality and atmosphere that you’d usually take so much care to create at your live events.

London Filmed has extensive experience in both filming with green screens and producing animated graphics and branded elements that bring your presentations to life with our creative graphic design team.

If you’re looking to work with a professional team, dedicated to the smooth running of your event, no matter the format, we’d love to help you explore what a green screen might be able to do for your next event.

Keen to work with a green screen at your next event? Book a call today.