Project Statement
“Hard Truths” is a 3D motion capture animated short film created using Unreal Engine. For a long time, there has been a large barrier to entry for creating high-quality 3D short films. Through this film, I aim to showcase the latest tools available, including Unreal Engine 5, Quixel, Rokoko gear, and more, to demonstrate that these tools can be used by individuals outside of a studio environment.
While the emphasis of this project is on technology, there is still a focus on visual design, scriptwriting, and acting. Given the many different new technologies working together in this project, there are many ways in which this technology could be buggy to work with. To address this, I have incorporated a design philosophy that limits the scope of the project so that it can be executed without drawbacks from the technology. This involved creating the script, shot list, and setting for the film with the new technology in mind.
For the acting, I looked to Penn State Theatre students to bring an authentic performance and help their craft show in the 3D space. I believe this work could have a significant impact in professional and scholarly settings, demonstrating how students and upcoming 3D artists can showcase their work with the use of these new technologies. It also represents a step forward for actors in both professional and scholarly settings, as experience in motion capture becomes increasingly important in the industry.
