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What is Filming on Cyclorama

What is Filming on Cyclorama?

The use of a cyclorama may seem like a relatively simple concept for someone that works in production. But for someone that is new to the film industry? The term might be completely new. Cyclorama isn’t a bicycle, and it’s not all that exciting, either. In fact, filming on cyclorama is a term that describes the use of a background curtain or wall. That is stretched to form an arc such that the illusion of a sky can be created. 

Cyclorama Definition

A cyclorama can be defined as the use of a cyc wall, typically a curtain or other wall background, which is stretched tight into the form of an arc to provide the illusion of an arched area which is representative of a sky. 

While filming on cyclorama was incredibly popular to theatre in the 19th Century. The cyc background continues to be used in filmmaking today.

What is a Cyc Wall?

A cyc wall represents a background that uses a series of curved surfaces. That can be pieced together to form an infinity wall or the view of a seemingly endless curved background space.

When a cyc wall is formed properly, the viewer on the other side of the camera will not be able to tell where the floor to the set stops and the curved cyc wall begins.

Why is Filming on Cyclorama Popular?

Filming on cyclorama is a popular tactic to produce the look of an infinite sky background where a sky isn’t available or cannot otherwise be filmed. The cyclorama is popular in commercials as it can be used to create a visually balanced.

However, a simple background that will not draw audience attention. This allows the attention of the audience to focus on the product that is being filmed for the commercial.

The Possibilities are Endless

Cyclorama walls, or cyc walls, are popular because they suggest unlimited space within the scene. Similar to filming for greenscreen, a well-build cyc wall is like an endless background in which anything goes.

If you can think of what it might be like to be in a giant egg, filming in cyclorama is similar as there is no visible beginning or end, top, or bottom. 

The white background of a cyclorama is used by retailers as well as in a variety of films such as music videos and in which no visible appearance of background is desired. Shots against a cyclorama are seamless, endless, and infinitely possible – it’s as if anything goes!

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