May 30th, 2025 | 2 min read
7 Backdrop Basics for Entertainment & Event Production
- Masking Backdrops
- Hides elements not intended to be seen by an audience.
- Typical fabrics used for this purpose include opaque velour, devetyne and commando cloth. Black is often used since it absorbs instead of reflects light.
- Painted Backdrops
- Classic technique implemented by scenic artists.
- Allows for textured backgrounds with a sense of depth.
- Digitally Printed Backdrops
- Uses electronic images as the model for the print.
- If seamless then limited in size by the width of the fabric that the chosen printer can accommodate.
- Projected Backdrops
- Displays images or videos.
- Backlit projection requires a semi-translucent screen, allowing the image to be seen from the front while hiding the projector.
- Scrim (Netting) Backdrops
- Scrim is often used as both a backdrop and a transparent screen to create magical transitions on stage.
- When frontlit at an exaggerated angle, a scrim can appear opaque and function as a backdrop. When the lighting changes to straight on, the scrim virtually disappears, showing what is lit behind the scrim.
- Cycloramas (Cycs)
- A cyc is a large concave cloth that stretches from one side of the stage to the other. Can be used as a projection screen, as painted or printed backdrop, or to bounce lgiht.
- Frequently used materials include muslin, leno and RP (rear projection) screens.
- Backdrop Lighting
- Backlighting can be used for projecting images, special effects, or to provide stage elements with a more three-dimensional appearance.
- LEDs are often embedded into backdrops to create starry night scenery and other special effects.
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