Abstract: A video recording system enables self-service production of vended videocassette recordings to a user or customer, with user control of several features. Preferably the system includes forming a composite video picture with the user's image in combination with a user-selected background sequence. Compositing may be by chromakeying, with a key color as a backdrop behind the user in a recording booth. As the composite video recording is made the user preferably is able to watch the composite image on a monitor, which may also include prompting messages for the user. A preferred control for the system involves control data encoded on a videodisc, which also holds a plurality of selectable background sequences.