Final Cut Pro background removal without green screen

Question

Level 1

4 points

Final Cut Pro background removal without green screen

I don't have Final Cut yet. Still using iMovie. I want to do Talking Head videos in a small bedroom with a cluttered, unprofessional looking background. I will be using a teleprompter and a WebCam, probably both will come from Elgato.

I would like to be able to replace my cluttered background with a static picture of my choosing. I will be sitting in front of the camera in a black chair. Is this possible? What are the issues?

Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Oct 26, 2023 1:33 PM

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Answer 1

terryb

Level 4

3,535 points

Oct 26, 2023 1:59 PM in response to DonLTurner

Should be doable. Have a look at this: Use the Scene Removal Mask in Final Cut Pro for Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Oct 27, 2023 6:11 AM in response to DonLTurner

You don't need to spend a penny on Final cut Pro as you can download the FREE trial version and use it for 90 days.

It really is free with no strings attached . . . you don't give any personal details, just click the DOWNLOAD button.

Final Cut Pro for Mac - Free Trial - Apple

You only need a small amount of clear wall . . . just enough to cover you, as you can use a mask to crop out anything to the sides.

In the example below the green screen only occupies the central part of the frame but with the crop controls in 5 seconds you can cut out the distracting edges so the background covers the whole frame.

I have got a video explaining it but I will get banned from this forum if I post a link to it.

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,818 points

Oct 26, 2023 2:20 PM in response to terryb

It might de difficult with a messy background. Scene removal really relies on a fairly consistent background, even if it isn’t a solid color.

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Answer 4

Oct 27, 2023 6:19 AM in response to Ian R. Brown

Oh I was surprised! I am relieved to know that there is no problem even if I post a link. I would like to watch and study Mr.Ian's explanation video, so please provide a link!

Is the cute boy your grandchild?🥰

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Answer 5

Oct 27, 2023 6:22 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

A few months ago I was threatened for posting a YT link and a couple of days ago I got a YT link deleted that I had accidentally posted!

Anyway, here goes . . . fingers crossed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=019wz_A8hoc

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Answer 6

DonLTurner Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 26, 2023 6:49 PM in response to terryb

Thank you for your guidance.

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Answer 7

DonLTurner Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 26, 2023 6:53 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Sounds like what I need to do is get all the gear together, do a trial run with Final Cut and see how it works. Thank you.

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Answer 8

Oct 26, 2023 11:37 PM in response to DonLTurner

Maybe it won't work for you, but if you are prepared to spend $300 on FCP, you can probably spend a few bucks and get a green screen cloth and some clips.

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