Creating Versatile Video Backdrops for Every Genre

This is a guest post contributed by the author Amanda Winstead

We live in an age where video content is readily available. There are abundant opportunities for creators. If you’re making a video, whether it’s a short film or a vlog, you need to stand out from the crowd to have any chance of success. One way to achieve this is to offer a wide range of videos across a variety of genres.

That seems expensive, right? Luckily, you don’t need to build a big, complicated set for every video you shoot. You don’t want to waste your viewers’ time with mediocre work. How do you present something compelling and unique? Luckily, if you choose your backgrounds wisely, you can create a video for almost any genre you want to explore. All it takes is some strategic planning and creativity – skills you probably already have. It’s worth looking at some ways you can adapt your background approach.

Functionality and creativity

One of the keys to creating versatile video backgrounds for any genre is finding a way to balance creativity with functional needs. Most people don’t have a large dedicated space to create videos, so you need to be agile while still achieving ambitious plans.

Whenever possible, consider what your needs will be for the next 6 months to a year. What types of videos will you focus on? Will the type of activity that will take place in your videos affect the durability of your backdrop? For example, do you need it to be waterproof or easy to clean? From here, you can make a diversified selection that meets your needs. You can also invest in the resources for the next backdrop you need over time to align with your content schedule.

If you are unsure of your approach, you can use a relatively neutral but customizable basic style. In particular, Improve your space Permanently, these functional and versatile backdrops offer a variety of options. For example, peel-and-stick adhesive panels allow you to choose the color and design of the backdrop to suit your specific project, as well as easily switch between them as your needs change. You can also choose thematic styles for different walls in your space; one wall can have a soft, minimalist look, while another has a more industrial area with shelves and workspace. This allows you to switch between these as your genre changes, but they also serve practical functions between shoots, such as providing a place for meetings or equipment storage.

Modular and mobile

In most cases, a single wall offers relatively limited versatility as a video background. However, one way to make your videos dynamic at a relatively low cost is to adopt a modular and movable approach. Essentially, you create background components that can be easily used in different configurations. This will add variety to your videos and make them adaptable to almost any genre.

There are several ways to achieve this:

• Interchangeable wall panels: The wall itself doesn’t have to be your main backdrop. One way to create different settings or scenery is to create several interchangeable wall panels. You can create these panels using lightweight, durable plywood, and then decorate them with different wallpapers, paints, or other types of décor.

You can hang these on the wall if you want. You don’t have to have one panel be your entire backdrop either. Making different sized panels allows you to mix and match to suit your needs and create different combinations. Even just placing movable dividers can give the impression of different rooms between the panels.

• Retractable Screen: Retractable screens, usually made with lightweight canvas and metal frames, are another way to easily switch up your background. You can decorate the canvas yourself or use a print-on-demand service to place the image you want on the screen. You can gradually invest in these resources to build up a more diverse range of options over time. Plus, turning one of these into a green screen gives you the flexibility to use chroma key technology to edit the digital background into your video.

If your backdrop uses modular or moveable components, remember that safety is key. The last thing you want is for your performers to be injured by falling panels or tripping over a screen frame. Use strong, practical mounting hardware for your wooden backdrop, which will allow you to easily replace it without causing injury. It’s also a good idea to tape the floor underneath the stand to alert staff to potential tripping hazards.

Props and Lighting

A lot can be achieved with creatively designed walls and panels, but many creators overlook the potential for further expansion with carefully selected props and lighting. These elements can transform a relatively neutral background into an agile one imbued with different meanings and moods.

Certainly, certain props can be associated with different genres of videos. An old grandfather clock or the occasional skull can represent a gothic horror aesthetic, while a bookshelf or desk is a suitable setting for an academic subject. Adding a bit of dim lighting can enhance the effect. In addition to these relatively standard decor elements, Layering TechniqueHere, you create depth in your background by using props and other small set pieces at various distances from the background.

Similarly, the lighting you choose to use on a neutral background allows you to control the mood you want to convey. Low-angle lighting, close to the background and props, casts long shadows and creates a dramatic effect. Different colors of lighting can also evoke the emotions you want your audience to feel. Blues suggests calmYellow represents energy, and having color-changing LED lights and interchangeable gels for your spots supports versatility.

Creating versatile video backgrounds can make you a more agile content creator. It takes a bit of creative thinking and strategic use of space, but you can achieve a lot with resources like screens, interchangeable panels, and props. You can also consider collaborating with other content creators to share each other’s backgrounds. This gives everyone more options and strengthens relationships within the industry.

Image courtesy of Pixels

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