What lighting condition is best for green screen footage?

Flat lighting is the best choice for green screen footage because it provides even coverage across the green screen. This evenness is crucial because inconsistencies in lighting can create shadows or highlight areas that may interfere with the keying process during post-production.

When lighting a green screen, it's essential to minimize any variations in color or texture on the screen itself, as these can lead to unwanted artifacts or difficult keying. Flat lighting helps to create a uniform green backdrop, making it easier for keying software to differentiate between the green screen and the subject being filmed.

On the other hand, harsh lighting can create stark shadows and highlights that can complicate the keying process. Natural sunlight, while soft, can change throughout the day and may not maintain a consistent light level, leading to similar issues. Spot lighting, while effective for highlighting a subject, can create uneven patches of light on the backdrop, making it difficult to achieve a clean keying effect.