Via.DK Animation Masterclass

Workshop summary

Video Coming soon!

# Unreal Engine Animation Workshop Summary

## Overview
Bartosz, an Unreal Engine instructor from Poland, led an interactive workshop focused on using Unreal Engine for animation purposes. The workshop was recorded to accommodate participants who might miss sessions. Designed as a hands-on experience, participants were encouraged to actively experiment with the software throughout the session.

## Workshop Goals & Structure
The primary objective was for each participant to create a 3-second animation loop for their monitor, which would later be scanned and integrated into a final collective project. This approach was intended to provide participants with a practical portfolio piece while familiarizing them with Unreal Engine's animation capabilities.

## Key Topics Covered

### Animation Techniques
- Creating and manipulating Flip Books in Unreal Engine
- Adding keyframes and working with animation timelines
- Implementing onion skinning for frame visualization
- Animating a bouncing ball (10-frame exercise)
- Importing animations into 3D scenes

### Software Features & Customization
- Navigation of the content browser and viewport
- Texture editing directly within Unreal Engine
- Integration with other software for optimal workflows
- Importing media and image sequences into the engine
- Creating bookmarks for camera views

### Advanced Applications
- AI integration possibilities with tools like Iliad for tablet drawing
- Using Reality Scan app to capture 3D environments
- Camera tracking with Omni Science app
- Plugin installation and customization options

## Technical Challenges
Several technical issues were encountered during the workshop:
- Software crashes requiring troubleshooting
- Tablet pressure sensitivity problems
- Difficulties with importing camera animations between Unreal Engine and Odyssey
- Asset migration challenges between different Unreal Engine versions
- Shadow rendering issues (resolved by changing materials to masked)

## Participant Engagement
Most participants had less than a year of experience with Unreal Engine. Bartosz tailored the session accordingly, emphasizing the importance of peripherals like mice, game pads, and tablets for efficient workflow. Participants were encouraged to consider their learning goals and provide feedback after the lunch break.

## Next Steps
- Participants were assigned to create a 10-frame bouncing ball animation using the Odyssey software
- Bartosz committed to resolving camera animation import issues
- Participants were invited to explore the Space Mouse during breaks
- Follow-up sessions would build on these foundational skills

## Conclusion
The workshop successfully combined technical instruction with practical application, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with Unreal Engine's animation capabilities. Despite technical challenges, these provided valuable learning opportunities about troubleshooting within the software environment. The workshop established a foundation for participants to continue developing their animation skills using Unreal Engine.