Week 3: Virtual Production Sequencer

Sequencing and Cameras in Unreal Engine

Spawnable vs. Possessable Actors

1. Possessable Actors:
   • Always present in the scene.
2. Spawnable Actors:
   • It exists only within the Sequencer. They appear in the scene while the Sequencer is active but disappear when the Sequencer is closed.
   • Useful for adding temporary elements like lights or aesthetic objects that won’t interfere with other cameras or views.
   • Example: Adding a rim light to highlight an object for a specific shot.
   • Tutorial reference: #UE5 Series: The Power of Spawnable Actors in Unreal Engine

Creating Sequences

Keyframes in Sequencer

• Keyframes represent specific snapshots of time and space within the Sequencer.

• To create a sequence within the level, use the naming convention: LS (e.g., SQ_1 in Spaceship level).
• Shortcut to bring an actor into the Sequencer: Ctrl + A.
• In the Outliner, spawnable actors are indicated with their association to the Sequencer.
• Multiple Sequencers can be created per level. As a best practice, create designated folders to maintain structure and ensure easy navigation.

Combining Sequences

• Multiple sequences can be merged into a single sequence using tracking options, allowing all shots to be combined into a final shot.

Post-Processing in Camera

• Post-processing settings can be adjusted within the camera for enhanced visuals.

Folder Structure for Organization

• Create structured folders to keep assets organized:
  • ShotBased/Cameras
  • ShotBased/Lighting

Sequencer Components

• A Sequencer should include:
  • Cameras
  • Sub-sequences
  • Camera sub-sequences
  • Camera cuts for rendering

Animating on Cameras

• Animate directly on cameras that belong to the Sequencer.
• Create placeholder shots and move them into position using Ctrl + X and Ctrl + D.
• Add a sub-sequence track and name it appropriately. Use colour coding for organization, e.g., Camera, Animation,and Lighting.
• Create different shots within the Cameras folder and separate levels for animations.

Cinematic Cameras

1. Creating a Camera: Drag and drop a cinematic camera into the scene.
2. Piloting the Camera:
   • Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + P.
   • Exit pilot mode when done.
3. Preview Settings:
   • Pin down the preview via the pin icon.
   • Resize the preview window: Hamburger menu → Advanced Settings → All Settings → Camera Preview.
   • Toggle appearance on/off as needed.
     
     
     
4. Using Multiple Cameras:
   • Adjust layout as a grid or split screen.
   • Activate cameras within each part of the screen via the camera icon (active cameras turn blue).

Basic Camera Settings

1. Focal Length:
   • Locked when using prime focal length.
   • Use Universal Zoom for more control.
2. Aperture: Determines how much light passes through the lens.
3. Focus:
   • Adjust manually by moving the spawn plane.
   • Use the colour picker icon to simplify focus settings. The chosen area remains in focus despite camera movement.
4. Squeeze Factor: Use this setting for an anamorphic look.

(image source: Comparison-shot-1024×572.png (1024×572))

Creating Camera Rigs

• Rig Rail: Use for controlled camera movement along a path.
• Crane: Simulate crane-like camera movements.

Sequencer Workflow

1. Sequence-Based Linear Workflow: Ideal for straightforward storytelling.
2. Shot-Based Non-Linear Workflow: Flexible for working on individual shots.
3. Multi-Artist Collaborative Workflow: Utilize sublevels to allow multiple artists to work on different aspects of the project simultaneously.