Key a black-matte keeper, not a talking head you will regenerate
remove_video_background is FFmpeg colorkey for pure-black backdrops; remove_background is the model path. Keying a miss, or keying before picture lock, keys a ghost.
Versely has two video keying paths. remove_video_background is a deterministic FFmpeg colorkey: fast, and it only works on solid pure-black (or near-black) — black-matte generates, footage against a black cyc. remove_background is the model path for other backdrops, via video_url. Neither is how you start. A new take has new edges. Keying a shot you will regen keys a ghost.
Remove a video's background is the job. Colorkey is a standard editor operation. The model path bills per selected model. Confirm the actual backdrop color before you pick colorkey. Colorkey on a room produces a broken file. estimate_cost either way.
Composite job, later job
Background removal is for composites, not for films is the creative rule. This page is the credit rule. If the brief is a person in a real room, generate them in the room. If the brief is a cutout on a card, generate or shoot a black-matte (or a keyable plate), lock the performance, then key.
Hair, motion blur, and spill are why you do not key a maybe "to see the composite." You will spend a model pass learning the edges are noisy, then regen the subject, then key again. Watch the take against its original backdrop. If the acting is wrong, the matte does not matter.
Green-screen, blue, white, photographic rooms — colorkey will not save you. Do not "try black key" on green. Use the model path on a keeper, or reshoot the plate.
The UGC generator often already puts a person in a space. Keying that space away because a template wants a different wall is a composite you should still run after the take is signed.
Order
- Approve the subject performance.
- Confirm backdrop type. Black-matte → colorkey. Anything else → model path, or do not key.
- Key. Composite onto the graphic plate.
- Type and audio on the composite, not on the unkeyed miss.
FAQ
Can I key first to make review easier?
You can. You will review a sticker. Review the take. Keying is delivery.
Is the photo tool the same?
No. Stills go through generate_image_from_image. Video is this pair. Same later-step habit.
Should I upscale before keying?
Upscale the file you will composite, after lock. Upscaling then keying a miss is texture on a ghost. Keying then upscaling a miss is the same ghost, sharper.
Does remove_black_background on a PiP tool replace this?
UGC overlay can strip a black overlay backdrop as a convenience. It is not a general keyer. Real removal is this task, on a keeper, before you corner-mount it.