a method and apparatus for causing a video camera to produce a video signal to selectively cue special effects , comprising an optical chromakey field including a transparent assembly an illumination apparatus . the transparent assembly is placed in the field of view of the video camera . the on - camera talent can see through the transparent assembly to view a monitor or other object located behind the transparent assembly . the illumination apparatus selectively illuminates the transparent assembly . the transparent assembly presents light of a certain color for reception by the video camera . when special effects are selected , the video camera produces a characteristic video signal operative to cue the special effects .