I learned how to make short films with green screen technology a few weeks ago and have spent time the last couple of Saturday afternoons making films with my six-year-old son (see above and below). We're still working on lighting, but imagine the possibilities for student presentations! The use of green screens, or chroma keying, is a common technique in movie-making that dates back to 1898 when French filmmaker, Georges Melies created the silent film, The Four Troublesome Heads . At the time, audiences were panic-stricken as they observed Melies "remove his head" and place it on a table next to him. The strategy is still used today to add special effects in high-budget feature films including, The Avengers. * In the classroom, students have the opportunity to participate in filmmaking with green screens as well! To get started, you will need to cover a small section of classroom wall, preferably about 6 ft x 6 ft, with fabric or paper of a single c...