Weichen

Motion Designer//Animator//Illustrator

Screen Replacement Markers Guide

WHY I MAKE THIS VIDEO?

In my role at Vidico, I frequently engage in screen replacement tasks, given Vidico’s emphasis on technology companies. Presenting our client’s app on a device often necessitates screen replacement. But here’s the catch – how do you shoot it right? Interestingly, even seasoned production professionals might be unsure about proper marker placement or whether it’s necessary.

To address this, I’ve crafted a video to share insights on capturing footage that streamlines the post-production workflow. The way you approach shooting can significantly impact post-production efficiency, so let’s make it smoother for your motion designers!

Additionally, I created this handy tool, in the form of a decision-making tree, to simplify the process of deciding whether markers are needed for your next shoot.

DECISION-MAKING TREE
CONTENTS
When the markers are not needed?

No brainer

The cam is locked in and the screen is still – Nothing to track.

High Contrast

High contrast around the screen to be replaced and the environment. Consider using a white screen if there isn’t enough contrast.

When the markers are needed?

Bad visibility

  1. Close-up shot or partially occluded – Less than 3 corners out of 4 to be captured in the shot
  2. The screen goes in and out of the frame

Movement

When the object or your camera movement has some rotation.

What kind of markers should you use?
  • Use shapes with corners.
  • Do not use giant round dots.
  • In most cases, you don’t want to put a green screen on the device.

Templates I recommend:

Disclaimer
This guide specifically addresses screen replacement markers for planar tracking purposes, not other types of tracking. For example, the approach for 3D tracking differs in terms of marker shape and placement.