Green screen Hollywood technology, AKA chroma key is a technique used by filmmakers to mix two separate pictures together. This works by making the background ( a solid color which is mostly green or blue ) transparent in order to show another image which is the actual background that'll be shown on film. This method of filming is often referred to as color keying, blue screen, and color separation overlay ( CSO ). It was essentially used for weather reports. Forecasters were shot in front of chroma key screens and the background was replaced by actual maps that indicate weather forecasts . The chroma key strategy is also used by filmmakers and photographers alike.

The green screen first made its appearance in the 1930's at RKO Radio pictures. The backdrop used back then was blue. This technique of film making was developed in order to create computer effects for the film "The burglar of Bagdad." except for the chroma key methodology, filmmakers relied on an especially boring and time intensive process called "travelling matte." This made transition like "wipes" practical.

Larry servant is thought to be answerable for pioneering the blue screen method. In fact, he even took home an Academy Award for visible effects for his work in "The thief of Bagdad." After his success in the 30's, servant was the first one to use chroma key technology in Technicolor, paving the way for modern green screen Hollywood technology.

The 1st films to profit from Chroma Key technology was the flick adaption of Ernest Hemingway famous novella, "The Old Man and the Sea," starring Spencer Tracy. After the "Old Man and the Sea," more films used the chroma key method. Some famous film that make use of chroma key technology are The Empire Strikes Back, Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Star Trek, and even three hundred. Films that employ CGI or computer generated images are also made with the aid of green screen technology. This is how having out of this world settings and fantastic creatures are able to be shown on film.

Today, green screen Hollywood technology isn't just limited to big budget studios. It is also used in photography. From the original blue screen, green was employed later on because filmmakers discovered that a green background doesn't need boring lighting. Cameras are most attuned to this color, so the result of films shot on green screens are more easy to work with and manipulate. While acknowledging that, chroma key technology is now known to photographers and filmmakers' best buddy.