TV shows in the 21st century set themselves apart from their predecessors by using a key secret: the green screen. Watch and be amazed at how overused this technique is used in major TV shows like Ugly Betty, Heroes, and more.

After seeing this video, I just can’t look at TV the same way again.

Since the release of movies like 300, it seems like every studio in Hollywood uses green screens to increase profit. However, I had no idea that shows like Ugly Betty implemented it for casual walking scenes.

After a but of research, I came to find out that shutting down a crowded intersection in New York costs thousands of dollars a day (including paying for permits and police); so it makes sense that this technique would be used as frequently as possible.

As seen in the very last clip from Heroes, pretending like you’re being in the outside world takes some real imagination and acting skills.