The Future of Interviews: How LED Backdrops Are Transforming Video Production
For years, video professionals have relied on green screens to place interview subjects in dynamic environments. However, while green screen technology allows for background flexibility, it comes with noticeable drawbacks—unnatural lighting, color spill, and the challenge of making subjects blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Now, thanks to advancements in LED technology and AI-generated backdrops, a new era in video production is here.
Visual Examples: LED Backdrops in Action for Documentary Series
At The Coda Collective, we’ve recently begun incorporating specially calibrated LED televisions as backdrops for interviews, replacing green screens entirely. The difference? A more natural and immersive visual effect that makes a subject truly feel like they’re in the environment—without the post-production headaches.
Why LED Backdrops Over Green Screens?
Unlike green screens, where the background is added in post-production, LED backdrops emit real light into the scene. This means that light from the digital background interacts naturally with the subject’s hair, sunglasses, clothing, and even their skin tone. The result is a more organic, photorealistic image that doesn’t require excessive keying or color correction.
Some key benefits of LED backdrops include:
Realistic Lighting & Reflections – No more unnatural green spill on subjects. The lighting from the LED screen naturally matches the background, making integration seamless.
Immediate Visual Feedback – Subjects and directors can see the final shot in real-time, eliminating the guesswork of post-production compositing.
Faster Turnaround Times – Since the background is already set, there’s no need for heavy post-production adjustments. What you see is what you get.
A More Comfortable Experience for Interviewees – Being surrounded by an immersive digital environment is far more engaging than standing in front of a blank green wall.
Visual Example: 2-Camera Interview Setup for Documentary Film
How We Create Custom LED Backdrops Using AI
We’ve taken this technique a step further by generating our own backgrounds using AI. With tools like MidJourney, we can create highly detailed, cinematic environments tailored to each project’s needs. Whether we want an interview to feel like it’s happening in a New York penthouse, a futuristic control room, or a sunlit Parisian café, we can generate an ultra-realistic setting that enhances the storytelling.
Hollywood-Level Production, Now for Businesses & Brands
This approach isn’t just for high-end Hollywood productions. While Disney’s The Mandalorian and Matt Reeves’ The Batman pioneered the use of LED walls for virtual production, we’re bringing this cutting-edge technology to corporate video, branded content, and commercial storytelling.
Imagine filming interviews that transport your subject anywhere in the world—without leaving the studio. Whether it’s a sleek executive profile with a dynamic cityscape behind them, or a brand story that needs a high-end, immersive feel, LED backdrops allow for unmatched visual impact.
At The Coda Collective, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this video revolution, offering Hollywood-level visuals to businesses and brands looking to create dynamic, cinematic content.
Want to see how this can elevate your next video project? Let’s talk.