THURSDAY
Sequencer & Cinematics in UE –
In this session, Serra walked us through setting up levels in Unreal Engine, building upon our previous class. As we explored a sample scene, we navigated through the environment, familiarising ourselves with the basics. We engaged in practical exercises, creating shapes, manipulating them with the sculpting brush tool, and exploring material setup.
The Sequencer tool within Unreal Engine stands as a dynamic asset for crafting compelling cinematic experiences and interactive sequences. This feature empowers developers and storytellers to orchestrate intricate narratives, cutscenes, and gameplay events seamlessly.
We learned how we could manipulate cameras, animations, audio, and visual effects within a single timeline interface. It simplifies the creation of complex sequences by allowing precise control over every element’s timing, placement, and behaviour. Moreover, the Sequencer’s versatility extends beyond gaming; it finds application in fields like virtual production, architectural visualization, and film. Its editing capabilities enable real-time adjustments, empowering creators to experiment and refine their content efficiently.
After the walkthrough, we had the opportunity to share our project ideas and get feedback on what we could potentially pursue in line with the brief.
FRIDAY
Recommended reading – The Illusion of Life – 1- 70
The Illusion of Life” by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston is a cherished guide for animators, unravelling the secrets behind Disney’s magical animation. Pages 1 to 70 delve into the core principles that shape captivating animation.
These pages explore animation’s evolution from simple movement to character-driven storytelling. They unveil the 12 foundational principles of animation—like squash and stretch, timing, and staging—crucial for bringing characters to life. Emphasizing realism and emotion, the book highlights observation, exaggeration, and storytelling techniques to engage audiences.
Rich with illustrations and examples from Disney classics like “Snow White” and “Bambi,” these pages offer practical insights into applying animation principles. They bridge theory with real-world implementation, guiding animators in creating lifelike characters and compelling narratives.
Pendulum
This week’s assignment was to animate a pendulum rig. We went over the 12 principles of animations and discussed overlap terminologies.