One 6ft 1/2″ PVC Four 3ft 1/2″ PVC Five 2. 5ft 1/2″ PVC Two 2ft 1/2″ PVC Four 1ft 1/2″ PVC[1] X Research source Note that these lengths include enough material to brace the frame with two horizontal pieces and a small vertical piece that connects them. If you use thicker PVC pipe (like ¾” or 1”) the frame will be sturdier and you may not need this bracing.
Note that a standard width for fabric is 48 inches, or 4 feet. If you want a green screen wider than that, look for fabric that comes in a 54" or 60” width, or sew two pieces of fabric together for an even larger size. It’s also a good idea to iron your fabric so that it is free of wrinkles before use as a green screen. Visible wrinkles that show up on camera will interfere with the keying process that replaces the color with another image. [2] X Research source If you cannot find a suitable green color of fabric, you may be able to paint or dye fabric to your desired shade. However, this method may not turn out as even or consistent as a pre-dyed fabric.
Get A clamps (or spring clamps) to clamp the fabric to the top of the frame. You will also use these to attach the fabric smoothly to the sides of the frame, so you can grab a few more with very little expense from a hardware store. Try sewing a “pocket” into the top of the fabric by folding it over and sewing to create a long loop through which to slide the PVC pipe. Use approximately 6 inch pieces of elastic band fabric, folded over to create loops large enough to fit around your PVC pipe. Then sew or staple these loops to the fabric wherever you want it to connect to your frame. [3] X Research source
Use the two elbow connectors to attach your 6’ PVC piece to two of your 2. 5’ pieces. Use one T-joint connector on each side to attach those 2. 5’ pieces to two more 2. 5’ pieces (which will be vertical) and two 3’ pieces (which will be horizontal) to fill the T-joints. Fill another T-joint connector on each side with the 2. 5’ pieces you just installed, two more 3’ pieces (horizontal), and your two 2’ pieces (vertical). Connect the horizontal 3’ pieces in the middle with two T-joints and one 2. 5’ piece vertically between them. Make the feet by connecting two 1’ pieces together with the end of your 2’ piece on either side using a T-joint. Then add end caps to the open ends of all four 1’ pieces. [4] X Research source
Build a simpler PVC frame of three long pieces for the top and sides of the frame. Then use two microphone stands with the extensions removed and slide the side pieces of PVC pipe over the mic stands so the frame stands upright. Adjust the height of the frame by raising the PVC higher or lower on the mic stands and placing a clamp underneath to keep in place. [5] X Research source Or try using just one piece of PVC pipe for the top bar of the frame, then slide either end of it into a mic stand grip. Adjust each mic stand accordingly to change the height of the screen. Note that when using microphone stands, you may want to choose thicker PVC pipe, like 1” PVC, for sturdiness.
Choose to glue if you’re sure you want to keep the frame intact and at the same size and structure. It can still be portable due to the very light weight of the PVC. Choose to keep the frame unglued if you want to make it even more portable by breaking it down for easier travel or storage. Of course, this will require reassembly each time it’s used.
If using a sewed pocket or elastic strap loops, slide them onto the top bar before connecting it to the rest of your frame. Adjust the fabric so that it falls flat and evenly from the top of the frame. Then use as many clamps as you need to attach it to the sides (and even the bottom) of the frame to create as even, unwrinkled, and unstretched a surface as possible.
Try using the green screen outdoors in overcast weather, or indoors using five individual lights: two main lights (which illuminate the subject being filmed), two fill lights (which illuminate the green screen), and a backlight (which will help distinguish the subject from the green screen for editing). [6] X Research source Ensure that every time you set up the green screen, the lighting or fabric itself doesn’t illuminate any creases or wrinkles that will show up when filming and affect the editing process of replacing the green color. Iron or steam the fabric if necessary to achieve a smooth surface.
To avoid removing the green fabric every time, try rolling it onto the top bar of your frame before disassembling or storing. This will keep the fabric wrinkle-free as well. You can hold the fabric in place once rolled with a few pieces of tape, velcro or elastic straps, or rubber bands. [7] X Research source It’s helpful to take a picture or draw a quick diagram of your assembled frame before taking it apart. This will make it easier to reassemble in the same way next time you use it.
