MAKING OF VENGEANCE

Embarking on a retrospective journey through six years of cinematic exploration in the realm of Unreal Engine feels like unlocking a treasure trove of experiences and creative evolution. As a seasoned creator immersed in the real-time magic of Unreal, this cinematic endeavor stands as a culmination of lessons learned, challenges conquered, and a profound passion for visual storytelling. Having woven the narrative fabric of 64 personal short films, contributed to the immersive world of two game cinematics for Supermassive, and even brought cinematic magic to the theaters of Vietnam with two featured films, each frame of my latest creation echoes the echoes of these varied encounters. Join me in this breakdown as we dissect the intricacies of a film that is not just a mere collection of pixels but a tapestry woven from the very essence of my cinematic odyssey.

https://youtu.be/wsFnDPEPyfA?si=HnhbWd1vzh1gSAeE

Project Overview :

1. elevenlabs

In the vast tapestry of my cinematic endeavors, each project has been a journey into specific emotions—be it the adrenaline-pumping thrill of action, the poignant depths of sorrow, or the surprising twists that linger in memory. However, the latest film marks a significant departure from this thematic norm, as it becomes a canvas for a profound exploration of emotional nuances. Steering away from the comfort zones of high-octane action or tear-jerking drama, this cinematic venture is an introspective dive into character emotion, orchestrated with the aid of cutting-edge technologies.

ElevanLabIO emerges as a pivotal ally in this creative odyssey, allowing a dynamic modulation of emotional tones within the characters. This transformative tool empowers me to finely calibrate and amplify emotions, orchestrating a symphony of feelings that resonate with the essence of the narrative.

2. Metahuman Animator

The integration of MetaHuman Animator serves as a game-changer in the realm of character depiction. With the speed of a cinematic sorcerer, I can seamlessly capture facial expressions synced with character dialogues. In a mere 2-3 minutes, the magic unfolds—from facial capture to the import into Unreal Engine—a testament to the efficiency and precision of modern animation tools.

3.Sale off Marketplace

Capitalizing on the festive discounts during the Christmas season on the Unreal Engine Marketplace, I strategically expanded the project's horizons by acquiring assets that would elevate its visual richness. This strategic move allows the film to transcend limitations, adding layers of depth and complexity to the narrative canvas.

4. Davinci Resolve

Adding a touch of nostalgia to the visual palette, DaVinci Resolve's Dehance plugin emerges as a silent maestro, enabling meticulous control over film grain and blooming. Inspired by the timeless allure of 80s-90s cinema, I aim to infuse the project with a retro charm, invoking the cinematic aesthetics of a bygone era.

In essence, this cinematic venture is a confluence of technology, emotion, and strategic creative choices. Join me as we unravel the layers of this project, delving into the intricate interplay of storytelling, technology, and the nostalgic echoes of cinematic eras past.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

1. Retargeted animations in Unreal Engine 5

"In the realm of my cinematic endeavors within Unreal Engine 5, the use of animation retargeting has emerged as an indispensable tool, especially when introducing new characters into the narrative canvas. While there exists a plethora of tutorials and learning documents guiding the intricate process of animation retargeting, my journey with this technique is a testament to its seamless integration and transformative capabilities.

Adopting a pragmatic approach, I've relied on the wisdom shared within the community, following the footsteps of fellow creators who have contributed invaluable insights to the learning documentation. In this exploration, I'll share my hands-on experience with animation retargeting, shedding light on how this fundamental yet powerful process has streamlined the incorporation of diverse characters into my Unreal Engine 5 projects

2. Lighting

The use of three-point lighting is a fundamental and widely employed technique in cinema to achieve balanced and visually appealing illumination for a subject. Here's a technical breakdown of the three-point lighting system:

Key Light:

• Purpose: The key light is the primary and brightest light source in the three-point lighting setup.
• Placement: Positioned at a 45-degree angle to the subject, typically to one side of the camera.
• Intensity and Quality: It provides the main illumination on the subject, defining its shape and form. The intensity can be adjusted to control the overall brightness, and the quality can range from soft to hard, depending on the desired mood.

Fill Light:

• Purpose: The fill light complements the key light by reducing shadows created by the key light, ensuring a more balanced and less contrasty appearance.
• Placement: Placed on the opposite side of the camera from the key light, helping to fill in the shadows created by the key light.
• Intensity and Quality: The fill light is generally softer and less intense than the key light. This softens shadows and adds detail to areas that might otherwise be too dark.

Back (Rim) Light:

• Purpose: The back or rim light separates the subject from the background, adding depth and highlighting the edges of the subject.
• Placement: Positioned behind the subject, often at a higher angle, pointing toward the subject.
• Intensity and Quality: The rim light is typically brighter than the key and fill lights. It can be a hard or soft light, depending on the desired effect. It helps to create a subtle halo effect around the subject, enhancing its three-dimensional presence.

Additional Considerations:

Color Temperature:

• Maintaining consistent color temperature across all lights is crucial. This ensures that the colors in the scene appear natural and realistic.

Lighting Ratios:

• Adjusting the intensity of each light source results in lighting ratios. Common ratios include 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1, indicating the difference in brightness between the key and fill lights. These ratios influence the level of contrast in the scene.

Modifiers and Diffusers:

• Softboxes, umbrellas, and diffusers can be used to modify the quality of light from each source. Diffusing the key and fill lights can create softer shadows, while using a snoot or barn doors on the rim light can control its direction.

Practical Lights:

• Sometimes, practical lights like lamps or ambient sources are used to enhance the scene's realism. These can be part of the set design and contribute to the overall atmosphere.

Understanding and mastering the three-point lighting technique empowers cinematographers to sculpt and control the visual elements within a frame, bringing out the desired mood and emphasis on the subject.

3. Color Grading in Davinci

Embarking on the vivid canvas of color grading in DaVinci Resolve has been an enlightening journey, one fueled by the invaluable guidance of pioneers like William Faucher. His tutorials on color grading CG shots have been a beacon, opening up a world of possibilities that extend beyond the conventional bounds of cinematic enhancement. As a disciple of Faucher's expertise, I've become an avid enthusiast of film grain and chromatic effects, mesmerized by their transformative impact on visual storytelling.

In the wake of Faucher's teachings, a newfound motivation has ignited within me, propelling a relentless quest for techniques that elevate not only my color grading prowess but also my proficiency in the intricate art of compositing. In this exploration, I'll share the fruits of this endeavor, unraveling the secrets behind the marriage of hues and tones that breathe life into my cinematic visions. Join me in this expedition through the corridors of DaVinci Resolve, where the realms of color grading and compositing converge, giving rise to a tapestry of visual mastery and creative innovation.

In Conclusion.

This procedure evolves from a continuous process of experimentation, fueled by a mix of curiosity and persistent exploration of novel techniques. While the visual outcome of this particular shot may not achieve perfection, the journey chronicled in this article has enabled me to strike a delicate equilibrium between visuals that appear plausible and realistic and the narrative depth required for immersive storytelling. The linchpin in this endeavor has been the astute observation of the real world, manifesting through the collection of references.

Undoubtedly, digital filmmaking empowers traditionally trained filmmakers, offering the opportunity to engage in high-production projects without leaving the confines of their workspace. However, this convenience comes with an augmented responsibility—the need to delve deeper into the intricacies of one's craft. Mastery in the digital realm demands an understanding of the operations of other digital departments, along with effective communication, leadership, and direction skills. This can be particularly daunting for those embarking on their journey.

Thankfully, the ever-expanding realm of online resources provides an inexhaustible font of knowledge to kick-start one's career. Additionally, a supportive community of artists is always ready to share insights and fuel creative aspirations.