The use of projection as a dramatic or digital backdrop is a new trend on the stream design horizon. In this post, we’ll look at how projection can be used as a theatrical or digital backdrop, as well as how projection is transforming the way theatrical set designs are created.
As you can see, the possibilities are unlimited. When you put a projector behind a streamer, you can accomplish a lot, from painting a digital cityscape in the background to employing a screen for the telling.
The projection tools are the same, but the application is not. The content you’re employing isn’t the center of attention; it’s simply there to assist whatever else is going on in your production. If you’re going to do this, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Make your projections as wide as possible.
If you think about it, a backdrop should cover our “peripheral” vision, or at the very least the complete frame of a video camera if you’re more concerned about the background being used for a taped story. The more realistic your scenario is, the wider the projection. Of course, TripleWide Media is the greatest place to look for content with such a large resolution.
Rear Projection is a good option.
You could try rear projection if you truly want to make a digital background that looks like it’s immediately behind you as your stream. This will not only improve contrast ratio, but it will also allow you to project straight behind someone without projecting onto the actor or topic. As a result, your scene will have a real backdrop.
You can front project, but keep in mind how close your projection surface is to your topic. If you get too close, you’ll see projection on top of someone, ruining the effect. It’s also possible that you’ll have to do a lot of masking, which limits your software options.
Invest on a more powerful projector.
You’ll want your animated background to feel as vibrant as the rest of your stream elements when you’re building it. The more realistic it appears, the brighter the projector must be. Consider this: if you have a screen directly yourself that you’re lighting , the projection screen’s surface will be washed out.
Maintain a straightforward approach.
When it comes to content, the best way to use a digital set is to keep it simple. You don’t need a lot of movement in your motion backdrops. The still photos will be fantastic. Consider this: Would you be able to see “motion” in the clouds if you went outside and looked up? or would they appear to be stationary in some way?
For Animated Backgrounds, Choose The Best Color
The Best Color Wall Is Usually White
A plain white wall will offer you with a nice surface on which to project your image. It does, however, have drawbacks. Even if you paint the wall with reflective paint, it won’t reflect light as well as a projection screen (but the paint does add brightness and clarity to your image). The wall isn’t as smooth as you think it is. It may appear smooth to the human eye, but if you attempt projecting an image there, you won’t need a microscope to realize how rough it actually is. It can even distort or warp the video you’re seeing. Just approach close enough to your nearest whitewall to notice all the flaws.
Image Clarity Can Be Affected by Wall Texture
Even if the wall is totally blacked out or darkened, the roughness of the surface can damage the projection’s integrity. You must discover a solution to smooth out the wall so that it does not interfere with your projected image. The majority of displays have stress on them because of this. The taut screen has little to no wrinkles on it, resulting in a perfectly flat surface for your projection to get projected on. At first glance, your wall might appear smooth and flat but as soon as you run your hand across the area, you will realize the truth. You will need to sand off the imperfections composed of crevices and small bumps that will cause tiny shadows to appear all over the image.
The Case for Using Dark Walls or Walls at All:
There’s an argument to be had for using walls instead of screens. If you’re willing to put up with the DIY labor needed to prep a wall to make it projector-ready, then you can paint it black and turn off all the lights so that your home theater darkroom can project most anything on it. You also have more freedom in orienting your image on a wide wall versus having to perfectly place it squarely on a fixed frame or pull-down screen. There’s more screen gain and contrast to be had from a smoothened black wall compared to a grey screen.
