CC Premiere - GreenScreen + Basics

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of applying green screen footage in Adobe Premiere Pro, along with basic trimming and color adjustments. Learning how to effectively use green screen effects can enhance your video projects by allowing you to create dynamic backgrounds and engaging visuals.

Step 1: Import Your Green Screen Footage

• Open Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project.
• Import your green screen footage by going to File > Import or dragging the files directly into the project panel.
• Select the footage you want to work with and drag it onto the timeline.

Step 2: Apply the Ultra Key Effect

• Go to the Effects panel (Window > Effects if it's not visible).
• Search for the Ultra Key effect.
• Drag and drop the Ultra Key effect onto your green screen clip in the timeline.

Step 3: Key Out the Green Background

• With your green screen clip selected, go to the Effect Controls panel.
• Find the Ultra Key effect and use the Eyedropper tool to select the green color from your footage.
• Adjust the settings in the Ultra Key effect to refine the key:
  • Use Matte Generation settings to adjust Transparency, Highlight, and Shadow.
  • Experiment with Matte Cleanup options like Choke and Soften to improve the edge quality.

Step 4: Add Background Footage

• Import the background footage you want to use.
• Drag the background clip below your green screen clip in the timeline.
• Ensure that the green screen footage is on a higher track than the background so it can be seen.

Step 5: Trim Your Clips

• Select the green screen clip or background clip in the timeline.
• Use the Razor tool (C) to cut clips at desired points.
• Select the unwanted portions and press Delete to remove them, ensuring smooth transitions.

Step 6: Adjust Color and Lighting

• Select your green screen clip and go to the Color panel (Window > Color).
• Use the Lumetri Color options to adjust:
  • Basic Correction: Adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows.
  • Creative: Apply looks or adjust vibrance and saturation to match the background.
  • Curves and Color Wheels for fine-tuning.

Step 7: Finalize Your Video

• Play through your timeline to check for any inconsistencies or rough edges.
• Make additional adjustments as needed to both the green screen and background clips.
• Once satisfied, go to File > Export > Media to render your final video.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to effectively use green screen footage in Adobe Premiere Pro by applying the Ultra Key effect, adding background footage, trimming clips, and adjusting color settings. These techniques can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your videos. As a next step, consider exploring more advanced effects and transitions to further improve your editing skills. Happy editing!