SAN DIMAS, Calif. -- Television weathermen have long used the"green screen" to display the graphics they use to illustrate theiron-air forecasts.

The same technology is now available from WesCorp's OverlandStudios operation, which has launched what it calls a "virtualstudio."

One of the first users was the corporate itself(www.wescorp.org) and its chief economic forecaster DwightJohnston. Johnston's most recent Webcasts have featured himdiscussing the economy with a screen of Bloomberg quotes behindhim, a video projection he's controlling from a laptop computerwhile he speaks.

Using virtual tools allows the three-man Overland Studiosoperation to change sets by computer, using a sparse physical setupthat includes three cameras with teleprompters on tripods, eightlights and a couple chairs.

The new system actually cuts the cost of a set by three-fourthsand allows Overland Studios to create a visual presentationcustomized to the client, the corporate said.

"They can send us a picture of their building or a video of anevent they held, and we can use it as the background," said WalterLaskos, WesCorp director of public relations.

"Then they have a presentation that has their specific look andfeel, and they don't have to buy any additional props orbackgrounds," he said.

The efficiencies extend to the small staff. Joe Keller,WesCorp's director of Web technology, heads the three-personOverland Studios team and said the virtual studio helps "keep usfrom running ourselves ragged" as the operation's external businessramps up.

It's also good, clean fun.

"We've had a blast creating different sets," Keller said, "andwe've had a little but of fun with it. For instance, one of thestaff put a big stuffed bear behind the set and made it look likeit was eating me on camera. And we had a Chinese delegation visitus for a tour who really enjoyed taking pictures of our screen withthe American flag waving behind them."

Repeat, paying clients so far include WesPay, the CaliforniaCredit Union League and the New Jersey Credit Union League.(Overland Studios' offerings also include small local televisionand radio commercials and podcasts.)

The NJCUL currently has on its Web site (www.njcul.org) aWebcast with league leaders describing a proposed boardrestructuring that will be presented for a vote at a league meetingin September.

"I'm told that in years past, the credit unions in New Jerseyfelt they were not told enough what's going on with their league,"said

Paul Gentile, the NJCUL's president/CEO. "What better way couldthere be to let them know what's going on than sitting directly infront of them and telling them?"

Overland Studios came to Gentile's office and shot the video"and did a phenomenal job," Gentile said. "They made my office looklike a studio. It was very professional and impressive."

The league has about 170 members and on the first day the videowas posted it was downloaded 172 times, Gentile said. The outreacheffort also included sending a CD of the Webcast to each leaguemember.

Gentile said the NJCUL is talking with Overland Studios about apotential partnership to do more studio work in New Jersey, addingcost efficiencies to the mix.

"There is a cost to it, having the crew come across the countryto work here, but with multiple studios, there'll be less travelingand some economies of scale which will help bring the costs down,"Gentile said.

"Either way, it's very much worth it to us, and I'd do it againtomorrow."

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