Green Screen projects are super easy to make. Check out my post here to see how to make your first project. Maybe you are new to Green Screen so you could also check out my Getting Started with Green Screen post here. Â So the question is why do you need props in your Green Screen Projects?
You don’t actually need any props and you can do some neat projects without any props at all, but props make your project look more professional, students love using them, and they are very motivating to help students practice and perfect their video performance.
Using Props
Keep reading to find out all about using props in your green screen projects.
- Why use props?
- Types of PropsÂ
- Where to get them
1. Why Use Props?
Props make your movie more interesting and help your students get into character. Think about any play you’ve been in or helped out with. What is the most favorite part besides the actual performance? The dress rehearsal of course. That is because it is fun to get into the costume and become a different character. This is also true with Green Screen movies you are making.
Just a couple simple props can help your students get into character and their movie will be much more entertaining. It can also help ease their nerves when getting in front of the camera. Holding something in their hand or wearing a hat can help keep their mind off those butterflies in their stomach.
2. Types of props.
There are many different kind of props. Remember to keep it simple. Props for your head; glasses, hats, wigs, eye patches, crowns, animal ears, headbands, face paint, etc. You can also have props for your hands like microphones, umbrellas, books, pom-pons, papers, cameras, magnifying glasses, clipboards, remotes, phones, boxes, etc.
Then there are costumes. Since we usually make the movies in the classroom we try to use something that can go over clothing and students don’t need to leave the room to change into. Things that works well are coats or jackets, aprons, capes, vests, belts, tutus, etc.
3. Where do you find props?
Getting props doesn’t have to be challenging at all. Keep your eyes peeled, props can come from all over. Many students have things that work at home they can bring in to use as props. Ask your class for a prop that it needed, then send a simple note home asking permission for your class to use the prop for a project. I always keep a few simple hats and glasses on hand to use for spur of the moment projects.
Do you have some fun hats for those hat dress up days that you could bring in and store in your classroom closet to pull out when you need them for a Green Screen movie? I also bring in old costume accessories and costume parts from my own children at home to use in the classroom after they are done with them.
Check out the Dollar Tree for little items at Halloween that go with costumes. They usually have funny glasses, eye patches, handcuffs, fake microphones, sticker mustaches, Hawaiian lays, animal ear headbands, tails, and more. Many times they even have these things available year round. Also the Target Dollar Spot sometimes has little costumes. The Chef Hat and Apron came from there for $3.00.
Have you been to a 3D movie lately? Punch out the lenses and use them for nerd or scientist glasses. I also check the teacher junk table for things teachers are giving away. Do you have one of those at your school? I found some microscopes that really wouldn’t work well for science but were great for a scientist in a movie paired with one of those white science coats.
Another thing to use is Photo Booth props. Keep in mind with all the props you are using that you don’t want your students mouths to be blocked or hidden because you want them to be heard loud and clear in their recordings so masks are not the best to use.
4. Scenes
Props are really fun but to make your movie go perfectly with the props you need to have a great background scene. I like using Photos For Class to get cool background photos because they have Creative Commons permission and are free for schools to use. If you notice in the top right hand corner the pirate ship deck photo has information at the bottom telling where the photo came from.
Sometimes this gets cut off in the project but you could always add it at the end of your movie if you are going to post it online so you will be sure your are following copyright. The green chair prop came from IKEA on clearance in their outdoor furniture. I was so happy to find it and it works great to sit on, lay on, or any thing else we want to do to look great in our movies. If you can’t find a green chair you can always lay a green cloth over a chair like in the photo below.
The beach scene photo came from Photos for Class and I look just like I am sitting on the lounge chair on the beach. I shared this tip with a little video recently on my Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The truth is props are everywhere. Now that you know some things to use for them you can be on the lookout and stock up. I can’t wait to see what you create for your next Green Screen project in your classroom with props!
