Intermediate Studio: Real-Time Animation (Unreal Engine)

10 units · Undergraduate

Fall: 10 units This course introduces Unreal Engine as a creative platform for real-time animation, cinematic storytelling, and interactive media. Students will develop technical and conceptual skills for creating animated experiences within real-time 3D environments, exploring approaches that extend animation beyond conventional linear and pre-rendered workflows. Students will learn fundamental Unreal Engine workflows, including project organization, asset management, environment construction, materials, lighting, cameras, and real-time rendering. Building upon these foundations, students will use Sequencer, character animation, Control Rig, animation retargeting, and motion capture to create cinematic sequences. The course will also introduce procedural approaches to environment and world building, as well as Blueprint visual scripting for designing responsive and interactive experiences. Through technical exercises and creative projects, students will explore how real-time technologies can expand the possibilities of contemporary animation and digital storytelling. This course is intended for students who have completed Intermediate Studio: 3D Animation or have equivalent foundational experience in 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and rendering.