Netflix unveiled technology to separate actors from the background using AI and purple light

Netflix has developed a technique that uses artificial intelligence to make it easier to separate the actors' images from the chromakey. However, this requires the foreground to be illuminated with a magenta light.

Here's What We Know

The traditional compositing method - chromakeying, or green screen - has a number of drawbacks, such as problems with transparent objects, fine detail and colour matching. At the same time, more complex and expensive methods have not been widely adopted.

Netflix suggested using a combination of green light at the back and magenta light at the front to easily separate the foreground and background. Machine learning then reconstructs the green channel of magenta-lit objects based on training data with normal lighting.

The technique has a number of challenges and limitations. These include the need for complex synchronisation with the camera, as well as the unpleasant effect of purple light on actors and scenery. However, it is still an experimental method that can be improved upon in the future.

Source: TechCrunch