Master Chroma Keying with Blackmagic Ultimatte 12

How to Achieve Professional Chroma Keying with Blackmagic Ultimat 12 4K

Introduction to Chroma Keying

• Andre Dantzler introduces the video, focusing on achieving a professional chroma key using the Blackmagic Ultimat 12 4K.

• He emphasizes that the workflow for chroma keying differs from traditional productions, starting with lighting the foreground instead of the background.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Camera Calibration

• Before lighting, it's crucial to calibrate the camera by setting contrast, pedestal, white balance, and shutter speed to ensure a strong foundation for subsequent steps.

Step 2: Lighting Setup

• The next step involves lighting the talent in the foreground before adjusting background lights. This ensures proper exposure and color balance.

Step 3: Using False Color

• False color is employed to achieve an even green background at around 44 IRE while ensuring talent appears in pink and light gray tones. Adjustments are made based on this visual feedback.

Step 4: Clearing Background Noise

• After hitting clear on the Ultimat, initial results show good quality; however, some digital noise (referred to as "Veil") may appear. Adjusting this Veil dial helps reduce haze without degrading image quality significantly.

Step 5: Matte Density Adjustment

• In combined matte mode, adjustments are made to matte density and black gloss settings to eliminate any gray areas in the image. This step is essential for achieving clean edges around subjects.

Fine-Tuning Skin Tones and Levels

Step 6: Skin Tone Adjustment

• The skin tone is adjusted by increasing its value slightly above default settings while also managing light warmth levels to minimize green fringes around edges.

Step 7: Black and White Levels Control

• The black levels of both background and foreground are adjusted carefully. This artistic choice impacts overall exposure but requires caution not to overdo it.

Saving Progress

• Andre demonstrates saving different stages of work using keyboard shortcuts (Alt + number keys), allowing easy comparison between before and after adjustments.

Sampling Techniques

Final Touches

How to Use Screen Capture and Keying Techniques

Overview of Dual Cursor and Screen Capture

• The speaker discusses the use of dual cursor versus single point (wall cursor) for screen capture, indicating that the choice depends on specific needs.

• A new interface prompts users for confirmation when initiating screen capture, emphasizing ease of use without needing additional tools like Veil.

Focus and Keying Process

• The importance of setting focus before capturing is highlighted; substantial focus breathing can complicate the process.

• The results of keying in real-time using Blackmagic Ultimate 12 4K are showcased, with a focus on how well individual hairs are captured against the background.

Final Thoughts and Studio Insights

• The speaker expresses hope that this tutorial will save time for newcomers to the Ultimate system, sharing personal experiences from their studio's journey.