Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Storyboard • Lavalier • XLR

Chroma Key

Term from Videography industry explained for recruiters

Chroma Key is a filming technique where people or objects are recorded in front of a solid-colored background (usually bright green or blue) so that background can be replaced with different images or videos later. This is commonly known as "green screening" in everyday language. It's widely used in TV news, weather forecasts, movies, and online video production. When you see a weather person standing in front of a weather map or an actor appearing to be in an exotic location while actually filming in a studio, that's typically Chroma Key at work.

Examples in Resumes

Set up and operated Chroma Key equipment for daily news broadcasts

Edited over 100 videos using Green Screen and Chroma Key techniques

Managed Chroma Key lighting and post-production for corporate training videos

Typical job title: "Video Editors"

Also try searching for:

Video Editor Broadcasting Technician Video Production Specialist Post-Production Editor Visual Effects Artist Multimedia Producer Content Creator

Where to Find Video Editors

Online Communities

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle challenging Chroma Key situations with uneven lighting or complex movements?

Expected Answer: A senior editor should discuss lighting techniques, spill suppression, multiple camera setups, and advanced post-production solutions for complex keying situations. They should mention experience with difficult cases like flowing hair or transparent objects.

Q: How do you manage a team's workflow when dealing with Chroma Key projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain project planning, team coordination, quality control processes, and how to maintain consistency across multiple editors working on the same project.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for setting up a Chroma Key shoot?

Expected Answer: Should describe proper lighting setup, background preparation, camera settings, and basic troubleshooting for common issues like shadows or wrinkles in the backdrop.

Q: What software do you use for Chroma Key editing and why?

Expected Answer: Should be able to compare different editing software options and explain their strengths for different types of projects.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between green and blue screens?

Expected Answer: Should explain that green is more commonly used because digital cameras are more sensitive to it, but blue might be better when filming subjects wearing green clothing.

Q: What are the basic requirements for a good Chroma Key setup?

Expected Answer: Should mention even lighting, proper distance between subject and background, wrinkle-free backdrop, and appropriate clothing choices for subjects.