15_D04_H01_All About Sequencers in Unreal Engine 5.6

Unreal Engine Sequencer Basics (Session Summary)

🔹 Project Setup

• Download and extract camera_settings.zip and metahumans.zip from the provided link.

• Place the extracted MetaHumans folder inside the Content > int_vc directory of the camera_settings Unreal project.

• Open the project using Unreal Engine 5.6.

🔹 Introduction to Sequencer

• Sequencer is Unreal's timeline tool, similar to Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects.

• Used to animate characters, cameras, and objects over time.

🔹 Level & Characters

• Open module_6 level which has 2 characters and 3 pre-placed cameras.

• Initially, characters may not be in a seated pose until you load the correct sequencer.

• Control Rig must be manually copied from working sequences to new sequences.

🔹 Creating a New Sequence

• Use Add Level Sequence from the +Cinematics button.

• Save it under Content > int_vc > sequences as my_first_sequence.

🔹 Fixing Pose Issues

• Copy the character tracks and control rigs from module_6 sequence to the new sequence.

• Rig compatibility issues may occur with older MetaHuman assets—manually apply compatible rigs.

🔹 Adding and Animating Cameras

• Use the Cinematic Viewport for better preview.

• Set animation frame rate to 24 FPS (film standard) and convert timeline to seconds view.

• Adjust focus distance manually to animate focus blur over time.

🔹 Camera Animation Steps

1. Wide Camera – Animate dolly-in movement from 0 to 4 seconds.

2. CU_Tray Camera – Side-to-front animation from 4 to 10 seconds.

3. CU_Zeva Camera – Rotating-in animation from 10 to 16 seconds.

4. Use local transform coordinates for better camera movement control.

🔹 Organizing Timeline

• Group all camera tracks into a new folder called "Cameras".

• Use Camera Cuts Track to switch between cameras at defined times (0s, 4s, 10s).

🔹 Rendering the Animation

• Use the Render Movie icon to export the final animation.

• Choose H.264 MP4 as the output format.

• Output will be saved under Saved > MovieRenders as my_first_sequence.mp4.

📝 Assignment

• Create a new sequence in any project.

• Add and animate three cameras with cuts.

• Render the output and share the video for review