Fix it in Comp

With the catchphrase in filming being “fix it in post”, we move a step further learning about “fix it in comp” aka “Compositing, its limitations and how to bend them”

With digital technology already being established everywhere, there seems to be a misconception about what it can achieve.
When we use camera footage as our starting point (photorealism) it’s believed that everything is possible. It is up to a point, but to use an analogy, even the best Chef can’t impress if they don’t have the right ingredients.

So, it’s time for some images to make things more interesting.

This is a still from the “Black Widow” movie which has been heavily criticised for its believability. Viewers will rarely be able to analyse what exactly is off, they will just “feel” the shot is fake.

But that’s why we are here. Let’s see:

When we shoot a green screen element we need to fully plan out the lighting conditions where this will be integrated.

So if we shoot something indoors in a studio and we use directional light (like a spotlight) it creates hot spots (highlights).

So if these two gentlemen end up being in an outdoor area, the highlight on the safety helmet screams fake. The light outside spreads everywhere (diffuse) instead of in one area.

So this is a potential conundrum. There are cases where this could lead to a Green Screen shot being reshot. Let’s see what we can do here.

We can paint out the highlight. This is now better, but still, you can notice the front part of the helmet being brighter from the back. Again, directional light. So now what?

Adding a fake light from the right on the sky and some highlights on the building on the left can provide some “motivation” as to why the two guys are like this.

These are two steps that we as Compers can do to improve the shot.
Once more, we are Chefs trying to save a recipe without the ideal ingredients

So going back to “Black Widow”, being a COVID project, the greenscreen shooting of the actress was done indoors and she was added outdoors. Notice how her face is more lit on the right part.

So how do we sell this shot?

More black smoke behind to justify the shadowy part and some sparks to justify the bright one.
This is what compositors did from the YouTube channel Corridor Crew.

To be up to such a task, a comper must know both about cinematography and of course their respective skillset.

So until next time, find your favourite controversial shot and try to see through this perspective.
And of course, we can always help 😉