The idea for Pro Cyc® was born out of the frustration and ingenuity of professional photographer Fritz von Tagen as he embarked on the construction of his dream cyclorama studio over 30 years ago.
Fritz could not have conceived at that time just how revolutionary his patented molds were, and that 35+ years later Pro Cyc® would be the world’s leading manufacturer of modular cyclorama background systems.
Our research and development department is constantly working on new ideas and products to meet the ever-changing needs and demands of today’s media and high-tech industries.
‘Cyc’ is an abbreviated term for “cyclorama,” also referred to as a cyclorama wall or cyc wall. It’s essentially a curved wall used as a photo or video background to suggest unlimited space.
In a Photography Cyc Wall setup, this curve creates a seamless backdrop ideal for both still photography and video production.
Understanding the Photography Cyclorama Wall & Its Design
To elaborate further, a cyc is any walled background incorporating one or more curved surfaces that create a background with no perceptible beginning or end. In a cyc studio, all corners are seamless. This is called an “infinity background.” When done properly, it is virtually impossible to discern where the floor ends and the wall begins. We refer to the curved pieces of a cyclorama wall as “coves.” Coves connect the 90-degree intersections of wall and floor, wall and ceiling, and/or one wall to another. A true cyclorama also has a top cove, so you cannot tell where the top of the wall ends and the ceiling begins. To expand the effect, corner coves may also be used to connect more than one wall. In essence, being inside a cyc is very similar to being inside a giant egg.
The Uses of a Cyclorama Photo Studio Across Industries
Modular cyclorama systems are used in various industries, including television, film, broadcast media, photography, and green screen virtual set production, also known as “chroma key.” In still photography, a cyc background can make your background virtually disappear, which opens up a multitude of possibilities for lighting and post-production. It allows whatever product you are shooting to take center stage.
Examples of Photography Cyc Wall Installations Used by Various Brands
Sometimes retailers require a completely white background for product photos. Amazon, in fact, has installed several Pro Cyc modular cyclorama studios at its headquarters in Seattle. Cyc backgrounds give you countless options, whether you’re working in television, film, broadcast media, or other industries. You’ll no longer be limited when you’re shooting a commercial, a news piece, or a video.
In the ’90s, several famous ads for the Gap featured swing dancers against an infinite white background. That was a Pro Cyc system. Apple also has several Pro Cyc cycloramas. You’ve most likely seen their commercials set against an infinite white wall. You’ll also notice many car commercials shot against a seamless cyclorama background.
The Cyclorama Photo Studio in Virtual Productions
In virtual set productions, where chroma key and compositing technology are used to create virtual sets, a high-quality Cyc background is not just beneficial—it is absolutely essential. All the special effects you see in movies and videos require filming against an absolutely seamless chroma key backdrop. They’re painted with a very specific shade of green with professional green screen paint.
“Chroma key” is a method for mixing two images together: a color from one image is removed, revealing another image behind it. That’s how a virtual set is created. A good photography cyclorama wall can also meet that need and improve digital photography backgrounds. Pro Cyc systems have been used as the green screen backgrounds for many Hollywood movies: “Batman vs. Superman,” “The Hunger Games,” and many more. Sometimes, if a full studio space is not needed, a portable green screen can offer incredible advantages and flexibility to a project.
Whether you prefer to speak with a Pro Cyc system specialist on the phone, come for a visit, or send us your questions through our contact form, this is the place to start.
Contact UsTell us about your space and workflow. We’ll recommend a complete cyclorama system built to fit.
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