Unreal Engine Cinematic Creator for Video Game Design from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to use sequencer in unreal engine.
How to create a fully functioning cut scene which is triggered from gameplay
How to create interactive and non-interactive cut scenes

How to animate cameras to create interesting emotions for the player
How to use sequencer for gameplay - for example opening doors or triggering elevators
How to use unreal's library of free assets to make a cool looking portfolio piece

How to use sequencer in unreal engine.
How to create a fully functioning cut scene which is triggered from gameplay
How to create interactive and non-interactive cut scenes
How to animate cameras to create interesting emotions for the player
How to use sequencer for gameplay - for example opening doors or triggering elevators
How to use unreal's library of free assets to make a cool looking portfolio piece

Syllabus

The Basics

In this video (objectives)…

Quick rundown on what to expect in this section of the course

After watching (learning outcomes)…

In this section we'll be installing Unreal, and learning the basics of setting up a point light, changing our character and making one simple game moment.

(UVR: 1_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Install Epic Games Launcher
Install Unreal Engine 4.22

After watching (learning outcomes)…

You've got Unreal Installed and are ready to go!

(UVR: 2_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Options for getting support from our community
Looking for resource links under the video
Using the GameDev.tv community forum
Using the Unreal Facebook Group
Real time chat on our Discord channel

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Clear on how to get support from our community and Teaching Assistants

(UVR: 3B_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Start a new project
Download a free character from the marketplace
Add the new character to our project
Switch our default character to be the new character we've downloaded

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Clear on how to download and add a new default character to the game

(4_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

A warning for anyone wanting to follow the course using UE5.1 or later.

In this video (objectives)…

Understand the difference between texture and material.
Add materials to our grey box level to make it more interesting looking.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Comfortable adding basic materials to our world objects.

(UVR: 5_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Examination of the main lights by deleting all the existing lights.
Add directional light and skylight to light the world.
Add point lights and spotlights to highlight your reveal.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Understand how to use lights to highlight something important.

(UVR: 6_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add some new cameras to the scene
Move cameras to give a different view
Pilot camera to move it to where you want it to go

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Comfortable with the basics of having multiple cameras in the scene

(Unique Video Reference: 7_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create a simple blueprint to control a light.
Link a trigger volume to the control of the light.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Comfortable with the general way that blueprints work.

(Unique Video Reference: 8_TB_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Set the scene for this section.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Ready and raring for sequencer, cameras and action.

(Unique Video Reference: 1_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Download and add an interesting environment to our project.
Add an interesting character to our project.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Our level is set up for cinematic greatness.

(Unique Video Reference: 2_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create a master sequence.
Create 2 shot sequences with shot tracks and cameras.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Use Sequencer to cut between 2 camera shots in our level.

(Unique Video Reference: 3_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Animate shot 1 and shot 2.
Use the curve editor to get finer control over movement.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Able to animate cameras within Sequencer.

(Unique Video Reference: 4_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create a third shot where we use auto-keying to create our animation key frames.
Have the camera position of shot 3 start where shot 2 ended.
Use Transform Selection to scale and shift all of our key frames in order to change the speed.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Use auto-key to create animations.

(Unique Video Reference: 5_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Examine our options for interpolating between our keyframes.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Select the interpolation that is right for your shot.

(Unique Video Reference: 6_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add a fade track.
Add key frames to animation our fades.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Add fades to our intro and outro as well as between shots.

(Unique Video Reference: 7_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Investigate the additional settings and options we have with cine cameras.
Change our focal length, aperture, filmback settings and focus.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Knowledgeable on how to use the cine camera settings.

(Unique Video Reference: 8_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add a camera rig crane to our level and learn its movements.
Create a "fly away" or "fly towards" effect with our camera.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Comfortable using the camera rig crane to full effect.

(Unique Video Reference: 9_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add a camera rig rail to our level.
Animate our cine camera along our rail while looking at the subject of interest.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Make some magic using the camera rig rail.

(Unique Video Reference: 10_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Render our sequence as an avi video.
Use Handbrake to convert our avi into an MP4 video and upload.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Create an MP4 video from our sequence.

(Unique Video Reference: 11_SC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Overview of this section.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Get pumped, ready for action.

(Unique Video Reference: 1_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create a simple camera movement sequence to use as our cutscene.
Add a trigger volume.
Create a simple blueprint in our level blueprint that triggers our cutscene.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

You'll be able to trigger cut scenes from gameplay, no worries.

(Unique Video Reference: 2_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Use 'Do Once' to make sure we only trigger our sequence once.
Create a blueprint structure that allows us to disable player control during the cutscene.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Disable controls during our cutscene so that they are truly non-interactive.

(Unique Video Reference: 3_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Animate some world assets within Sequencer.
Trigger the new sequence from trigger volume. Leave the player in control and with the same camera.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Trigger interactive cut scenes or world movement moments in your level.

(Unique Video Reference: 4_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create ourselves a shiny new door that can be opened.
Create a sequence for opening a door then trigger that sequence using a trigger volume.
Close the door when the player leaves the door area.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Open and close a door using sequencer.

(Unique Video Reference: 5_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create an elevator or something similar that can move.
Create a trigger button to move our elevator.
Loop our elevator so it continues to, you know, go up and down.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Create a looping animation that is started with a trigger.

(Unique Video Reference: 6_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add an audio track.
Create and add a sound effect that can be played on our sequence.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Implement SFXs on our sequence.

(Unique Video Reference: 7_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Find some music for your level.
Trigger the music to play when the level starts.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Trigger music to start when your level starts.

(Unique Video Reference: 8_TS_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Introduce this next section of the course.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Be ready and raring for what is to come in this section.

(Unique Video Reference: 1_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Learn the terminologies of common camera movements.
Movements include pan, tilt, truck, dolly, pedestal, zoom, rack focus and dolly zoom.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Practice moving the camera using common movment types.

(Unique Video Reference: 2_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Shot types and secondary information.
Shot types as they relate to framing the subject and the environment.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Understand how your shot can create emotion and communicate secondary information.

(Unique Video Reference: 3_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Import character animations into our project and then into a sequence.
Monkey around with play rate and durations of animations.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Able to add multiple character animations to sequencer.

(Unique Video Reference: 4_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Import some movement animations such as a run cycle, refine its timing and move the character across the world.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Move a character so their animation matches their movement.

(Unique Video Reference: 5_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Alter an existing animation.
Add the visibility property to an actor in sequencer and key frame that actor's visibility.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Toggle an actor's visibility so that is is invisible when the sequence has not started.

(Unique Video Reference: 6_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Understand the concept of storyboarding.
Plan our cut scene.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Created a storyboard or bullet point list for your cut scene.

(Unique Video Reference: 7_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Block out each of the animations we'll need in order to get our pacing right.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

A blocked out sequence with the key animations required.

(Unique Video Reference: 8_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Create and add dialogue to match our storyboard.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Implement dialogue into our cut scene.

(Unique Video Reference: 9_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add camera cuts on cuts track in order to complete our cut scene sequence.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Complete our camera cuts.

(Unique Video Reference: 10_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

Add a fade track
Ensure all characters are hidden when they aren't needed
Trigger our sequence from gameplay

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Complete our cut scene sequence

(Unique Video Reference: 11_MC_CIN)

In this video (objectives)…

We're all done, great work.

After watching (learning outcomes)…

Please share what you come up with!

(Unique Video Reference: 12_MC_CIN)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses Unreal Engine 4, which remains a widely used version in the game development industry for its stability and extensive resources

Explores cinematography theory, such as different types of shots and camera movements, which are essential for creating engaging cinematic experiences

Teaches how to create interactive and non-interactive cutscenes, which are valuable skills for enhancing storytelling and player engagement in games

Requires Unreal Engine 4.22, which may necessitate using an older version of the engine if learners are working with the latest releases

Uses Sequencer, which is included with the Unreal Editor, making it accessible without additional downloads or costs for learners

Provides access to communities of developers on Facebook, Discord, and a dedicated forum, offering opportunities for support and collaboration

Reviews summary

Unreal engine sequencer and cinematics guide

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive introduction to using Unreal Engine's Sequencer tool for creating cinematics and triggering simple gameplay events. Students appreciate the clear explanations and practical, hands-on approach, finding it well-structured for beginners. The course effectively teaches how to compose shots, animate cameras, and create non-interactive cutscenes as well as simple interactive elements like opening doors. Some reviewers note that while the course provides a solid foundation, it uses an older version of Unreal Engine and may not cover advanced topics, requiring additional learning for more complex projects. Overall, it is seen as a valuable starting point for those interested in cinematic game development.

Learn by doing with hands-on exercises.

"The hands-on activities and projects were really helpful for cementing my understanding."

"Building the triggered cutscene and opening door examples was great practical experience."

"Applying the concepts immediately in the projects made learning much more effective."

"I now have small portfolio pieces thanks to the course structure and examples."

Well-suited for those new to Unreal Engine cinematics.

"As a beginner to Unreal Engine, I found the lectures easy to follow and understand."

"The instructor breaks down complex topics into manageable steps for newcomers."

"Perfect starting point if you've never touched Sequencer before."

"Even with minimal prior experience, I felt comfortable progressing through the material."

Focuses heavily on Unreal Engine's Sequencer tool.

"This course gave me a great introduction to the Sequencer tool in Unreal Engine."

"I learned how to effectively use Sequencer to create short cinematic sequences."

"Understanding Sequencer is crucial, and this course explains its core features clearly."

"It's centered around making cinematics which is exactly what I needed for my project."

Focuses on cinematics, not broad game dev.

"The course is very focused on cinematics and simple triggers. Don't expect deep game mechanics."

"It's great for its specific topic, but you'll need other resources for more advanced scripting or game logic."

"Covers the fundamentals of Sequencer well, but leaves out many advanced animation or complex Blueprint interactions."

"It delivers on teaching cinematics but isn't a comprehensive game development course."

Uses an older version, potential differences.

"The course uses UE 4.22, which is quite old now compared to UE5. There are some differences."

"Following along in a newer engine version sometimes required finding updated interfaces."

"While the core concepts are similar, using an older engine version can be a bit frustrating."

"I encountered some minor issues because the project files or steps didn't perfectly match my UE5 setup."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Unreal Engine Cinematic Creator for Video Game Design with these activities:

Review Basic 3D Modeling Concepts

Show steps

Reviewing 3D modeling concepts will help you better understand how assets are created and manipulated within Unreal Engine, enhancing your ability to create compelling cinematics.

Browse courses on 3D Art

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Watch introductory videos on 3D modeling.
Practice basic modeling exercises using free software.
Familiarize yourself with common 3D terminology.

Read 'The Five C's of Cinematography' by Joseph Mascelli

Show steps

Reading this book will provide a strong foundation in the core principles of cinematography, which are essential for creating visually appealing and engaging cinematics.

View Melania on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on composition and camera angles.
Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Apply the techniques to your Unreal Engine projects.

Read 'Directing the Story' by Francis Glebas

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Reading this book will provide a strong foundation in visual storytelling and directing, which are essential skills for creating compelling cinematics in Unreal Engine.

View Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on camera techniques.
Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Apply the techniques to your Unreal Engine projects.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Camera Movement Exercises

Show steps

Practicing camera movements will improve your ability to create smooth and engaging cinematics.

Show steps

Set up a simple scene in Unreal Engine.
Practice different camera movements like panning, tilting, and dollying.
Experiment with different camera angles and compositions.
Record your practice sessions and review them.

Create a Camera Angle Cheat Sheet

Show steps

Creating a cheat sheet will help you quickly reference different camera angles and their effects, improving your shot composition skills.

Show steps

Research different camera angles and their uses.
Create a visual guide with examples of each angle.
Include descriptions of the emotional impact of each angle.
Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.

Write a Blog Post on Cinematography Techniques in Unreal Engine

Show steps

Writing a blog post will help you solidify your understanding of cinematography techniques and share your knowledge with others.

Show steps

Choose a specific cinematography technique.
Research the technique and its application in Unreal Engine.
Write a clear and concise blog post with examples.
Include screenshots or videos to illustrate your points.
Publish the blog post on a relevant platform.

Create a Short Cinematic Scene

Show steps

Creating a short cinematic scene will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course and experiment with different camera angles, animations, and effects.

Show steps

Plan a short scene with a clear narrative.
Gather or create the necessary assets.
Animate the scene using Unreal Engine's Sequencer.
Add sound effects and music to enhance the scene.
Render the final cinematic and share it.

Career center

Learners who complete Unreal Engine Cinematic Creator for Video Game Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cinematic Artist

A Cinematic Artist is responsible for creating compelling and visually stunning cutscenes and in-game cinematics. If you wish to become a Cinematic Artist, this course focusing on Unreal Engine's Sequencer tool could prove useful. Cinematic Artists work with camera animation, character animation, and world events to deliver engaging narrative sequences. The course helps build a foundation in composing interesting camera shots, animating cameras, and creating movement in levels, skills directly applicable to the work of a Cinematic Artist. By learning to create interactive and non-interactive cut scenes and animate world events, you prepare to produce high-quality cinematics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematic Artist

Virtual Production Specialist

Virtual Production Specialists use real-time rendering and game engine technology to create film and television content. Becoming a Virtual Production Specialist could be made easier with this course, focusing on Unreal Engine's Sequencer, which is directly relevant to this field. Virtual Production Specialists need to compose shots, animate cameras, and integrate virtual environments seamlessly. In this course, you learn to create camera shots, animate cameras, and create movement in levels, crucial skills for this job. By learning to render sequences to movie format and exploring cinematography theory, you can prepare to produce high-quality virtual content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Production Specialist

Animator

Animators bring characters and objects to life through movement, emotion, and expression. If you wish to become an Animator, this course helps build a foundation in animating cameras, characters, and world events within Unreal Engine. Animators need to master tools like Sequencer to create compelling animations for cutscenes and gameplay. The course prepares you with skills in creating animation sequences, manipulating character animations, and controlling the timing and pacing of animations. Learning how to alter existing animations and add visibility properties to actors will help Animators create dynamic and engaging performances. The focus on cinematographic theory also helps Animators understand how to create emotionally impactful scenes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Filmmaker

Filmmakers are responsible for creating films, from conception to final product. Aspiring Filmmakers may find this course useful, as it provides hands-on experience with Unreal Engine's Sequencer, a tool that can be used for previsualization and virtual filmmaking. Filmmakers need to compose shots, direct camera movements, and manage visual storytelling. This course helps build a foundation in creating interesting camera shots, animating cameras, and understanding cinematography theory. By learning to render sequences to movie format and exploring camera techniques like camera rails and cranes, you prepare to produce visually compelling films.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Content Creator

Content Creators produce engaging content for online platforms, often involving video production and storytelling. Aspiring Content Creators may find this course useful, because it offers practical skills in creating cinematic content using Unreal Engine's Sequencer. Content Creators must know how to compose shots, animate cameras, and create visually appealing sequences. This course helps build a foundation in creating interesting camera shots, animating cameras, and rendering sequences to movie format. Learning to use free assets and trigger events allows Content Creators to produce high-quality, engaging content that captures audience attention.

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Level Designer

Level Designers craft the environments and gameplay spaces that players explore. If you want to be a Level Designer, this course may be useful, because it teaches how to create dynamic and engaging levels using Unreal Engine. Level Designers must understand how to integrate cinematic elements, trigger events, and control the player's experience. The course helps you create movement and flavor in levels by animating world events, create simple gameplay systems, and design interactive cutscenes. Learning to trigger sequences and animate world assets will help Level Designers create more immersive and compelling game worlds. The knowledge of camera animation and scene composition also allows Level Designers to fine-tune the player's visual experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Motion Graphics Artist

Motion Graphics Artists create animated graphics and visual effects for various media. If you want to be a Motion Graphics Artist, this course may be useful, because it offers training in Unreal Engine's Sequencer, which can be used for creating sophisticated motion graphics. Motion Graphics Artists need to animate cameras, manipulate objects, and create visually appealing sequences. The course may help you create animation sequences, render them to movie format, and experiment with different camera movements and shots. Learning to add fade tracks and control the visibility of actors could allow Motion Graphics Artists to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist

Technical Artist

A Technical Artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers, optimizing art assets and implementing artistic visions within the game engine. This course may be useful as Technical Artists often work with tools like Unreal Engine's Sequencer to create and implement cinematic sequences and gameplay animations. Technical Artists need to understand how to animate cameras, trigger events, and optimize performance, all of which this course touches on. Learning to create simple gameplay systems, animate world events, and render sequences to movie format helps expand a Technical Artist's toolkit, allowing them to create more engaging and efficient game experiences. The course's focus on using free assets and integrating animations also aligns with the practical skills needed in this role.

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Game Designer

Game Designers are responsible for the overall vision and execution of a game's design. If you want to be a Game Designer, this course may be useful, because it provides practical skills in creating engaging cinematic moments and interactive gameplay sequences within Unreal Engine. Game Designers need to understand how to use Sequencer to trigger events, animate cameras, and integrate cutscenes seamlessly into gameplay. The course helps you create simple gameplay systems, animate world events, and control the player's experience during cutscenes. Learning how to disable player control during cutscenes and trigger interactive world movements helps Game Designers craft more immersive and compelling game experiences. The focus on using free assets and cinematography theory also aligns with the need for creative and practical design solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Visualization Specialist

Visualization Specialists create visual representations of data, concepts, or designs for various industries. If you wish to be a Visualization Specialist, this course may be useful, because it offers training in Unreal Engine, which can be used to create interactive and compelling visualizations. Visualization Specialists need to compose scenes, animate elements, and present information in a visually engaging manner. Learning to create interesting camera shots, animate cameras, and render sequences to movie format allows Visualization Specialists to produce high-quality visual content. The focus on using free assets and cinematography theory also aligns with creating impactful and informative visualizations.

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Virtual Reality Developer

Virtual Reality Developers create immersive experiences for VR platforms. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use Unreal Engine to create interactive and visually stunning VR environments. VR Developers must master camera animation, scene composition, and the integration of interactive elements. The understanding of camera animation and scene composition helps VR Developers create more immersive and compelling VR experiences. The focus on using free assets helps VR Developers quickly prototype and iterate on their designs.

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Simulation Designer

Simulation Designers create realistic and interactive simulations for training, research, or entertainment purposes. If you want to be a Simulation Designer, this course may be useful, because it provides training in Unreal Engine, which can be used to create high-fidelity simulations. Simulation Designers must understand how to create realistic environments, animate objects, and trigger events. The course helps you create movement and flavor in levels by animating world events, create simple gameplay systems, and control the player's experience. Learning how to trigger sequences and animate world assets helps Simulation Designers create more immersive and effective simulations.

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Augmented Reality Developer

Augmented Reality Developers create interactive experiences that overlay digital content onto the real world. This course may be useful because it offers training in Unreal Engine, a powerful tool for creating AR applications. AR Developers must understand how to integrate virtual elements seamlessly with real-world environments, animate objects, and trigger events. The course's focus on animating world events, creating simple gameplay systems, and triggering sequences enhances the ability to design engaging AR interactions. Learning how to use free assets and optimize performance also aligns with the practical skills needed in this role.

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Video Editor

Video Editors assemble raw footage into a cohesive and engaging final product. This course may be useful for Video Editors who wish to expand their skills in virtual production and cinematic storytelling. Video Editors must understand pacing, shot composition, and how to create emotional impact through visual editing. Learning to create animation sequences, render them to movie format, and add fade tracks, can help Video Editors incorporate dynamic visual effects into their projects. The understanding of cinematography theory may allow Video Editors to make more informed decisions about shot selection and sequencing, enhancing the overall quality of their edits.

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Game Engine Programmer

Game Engine Programmers develop and maintain the underlying technology that powers video games. If you aspire to be a Game Engine Programmer, this course may be useful because it provides insight into the practical application of Unreal Engine's Sequencer tool. Game Engine Programmers need to understand how different game systems interact, including cinematic sequences and gameplay events. The course's focus on creating simple gameplay systems and triggering sequences helps you understand how to integrate cinematic elements into the broader game architecture. This practical knowledge can inform the design and optimization of game engine features.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Unreal Engine Cinematic Creator for Video Game Design.

Directing the Story

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Provides a comprehensive guide to visual storytelling, covering storyboarding, composition, and camera techniques. It's highly relevant to creating cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine. The book offers practical advice and examples that can be directly applied to improve the quality and impact of your cinematics. It valuable resource for understanding how to effectively communicate narratives through visual means.

Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and...

Paperback

Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and...

Kindle Edition

Unreal Engine Cinematic Creator for Video Game Design

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Unreal engine sequencer and cinematics guide

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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