Exploring Real-time Game Engines – Building Worlds with UNREAL Engine 5

Posted on by Rosie Crossley
We explored the use of Unreal Engine to see how real-time game engines can be used to build worlds and create film and game scenes. To begin with we looked through different  assets, like buildings, people, and props and weapons to design the setting for our film. This allowed us to choose the theme of our scene and how we would be able to tell a story with the assets we use. We placed the assets into the scene, and arranged them to create an environment. We changed the poses of the characters and the positioning of the props to how we needed them. We also added lighting to set the mood and tone of the scene. We then set up cameras in order to take still images of our scene. This technique is important because it allows filmmakers to make scenes without using real sets.

Exploring CG and Live Action Integration

Posted on by Rosie Crossley

During this activity, we explored CG and live-action integration to create a sci-fi scene using pre-recorded footage. Firstly, we tracked the camera movement in the scene. This step helped us to be able to place CG elements like different sci-fi structures so that it would align perfectly with the live-action footage. In blender, we modelled different assets which created our trading post scene. We used things like houses, rusty signs, poles, etc. Once we were happy with our placements, we adjusted lighting, shadows and reflections to make it match the original footage. We also gave it a grain and look which made it look more like a sci-fi scene. This technique is useful because it lets you merge real footage with 3D elements to create scenes that wouldn’t be possible in real life and it allows you to tell a story.

 

Exploring 3D Modelling and Materials – Topology Modelling

Posted on by Rosie Crossley

In this activity, we used 3D modelling and different materials to create a sign in blender. Once we had designed the basic shape of the sign, we added a plane to it to make it look like a sign. We then started to add different features to make the sign look more realistic. We used the extruding tool on different parts in order to give the sign more depth. We then used the bevelling tool to make the sign look more smooth and levelled out. We added things like an electric box, a heat sink and a platform for the sign. Adding these details made the sign feel more realistic and visually interesting. This technique is useful as it lets you have complete control over what you are designing. 

Exploring Mattes – LUMA Keying and Sky Replacements

Posted on by Rosie Crossley

During this exercise, we explored Luma keying to create a sky replacement. Luma keying is a technique which uses luminance values to make specific areas in a video more clear. This technique works by focusing on the brightness levels in the image to separate the sky from the rest of the scene. To begin with, we created a matte that highlighted the brightest areas of the sky. We then adjusted different settings including the contrast. This made it easier for us to separate the sky. Once the sky was removed, we then replaced it with a more realistic sky. To make it look realistic, we matched the colour and lighting of the new sky with the rest of the scene. We also adjusted the colour correction curves so that the alpha channel made the parts of the scene more noticeable. This extra step helped everything blend together smoothly, making the final shot look natural. This technique is useful as it allows filmmakers and editors to change the sky without needing to reshoot footage. 

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Exploring Mattes – CHROMA Keying and Set-Extension

Posted on by Rosie Crossley

Throughout this task, we explored the use of chroma keying to create a set extension using pre-recorded green screen footage. Chroma keying is a visual effects technique which involves separating and removing a specific colour from the footage to replace it with a new background or environment. Before we used this method, we made sure to mask around all the irrelevant garbage in the shot. We did this so that we could focus on the green part of the scene. We adjusted the keying settings and removed the green parts in order to replace it with a new background. Then we matched the colour and lighting settings to the new background so that everything was blended together. This made the scene feel real and believable like it was already there in shot. This technique is generally used for creating engaging environments in films and television.

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