21 D03_H03_04 Adding Bloom, Flare and Fog with realistic imperfections u...

Session 21 Summary – Final Touches, Post Process, Fog & Rendering

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🔧 Project Setup

• Downloaded and extracted camera settings - add files for imperfection render.zip

• Replaced required .uasset, .umap, and sequence files in the appropriate Unreal project folders.

• Set Module_7 as the default Editor & Game Map for startup.

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🎥 Sequence Adjustments

• Fixed focus issues manually on the CU_Tray camera using manual focus distance and keyframes.

• Rearranged shots in the Sequencer for better narrative flow:

  • Started with crane shot → panning → trolley → closeups → zoom out.

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🎛️ Post Process Enhancements

• Added a Post Process Volume (PPV) to the level:

  • Set Infinite Extent (Unbound) for global effect

  • Adjusted Exposure settings manually for all cameras

  • Enabled Lumen lighting for realistic GI and reflections

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💡 Cinematic Effects Added

• ✅ Bloom: Enhanced glow of bright lights

• ✅ Lens Flare: Added subtle lens reflections for realism

• ✅ Bokeh Size: Simulated real camera blur

• ✅ Vignette: (optional) darkened edges of the frame

• ✅ Image Sharpening: Enhanced overall crispness

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🎨 Color Grading (In-Engine)

• Applied custom LUT created in DaVinci Resolve

• Enabled LUT in Post Process > Misc > Color Grading Look

• Manually controlled Shadow, Midtone, Highlight saturation to refine image directly inside Unreal

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🌫️ Fog & Lighting Volumetrics

• Added Exponential Height Fog to simulate atmospheric depth

• Enabled Volumetric Fog and set proper scattering colors

• Controlled Fog Density and spotlight Volumetric Scattering Intensity to get cinematic light shafts

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🎞️ Final Rendering Process

• Two rendering options discussed: Movie Render Queue and Movie Capture

• Enabled Movie Render Queue via Plugins

• Configured:

  • Apple ProRes 422 Codec

  • Resolution: 1920x1080, Framerate: 24 fps

  • Saved render as a reusable Preset

• Fixed missing object bindings in some shots before final rendering

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✅ Session Outcome

• Completed final cinematic render with:

  • Shot sequencing

  • Color grading

  • Post effects

  • Volumetric fog

  • Full resolution output via Movie Render Queue

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🏁 Wrap-up

Completed a full one-shot cinematic short film using only Unreal Engine’s native camera, lighting, and post tools — marking the conclusion of the introductory 21-session Unreal Filmmaking series.

Next chapter: Modeling and asset creation in Unreal Engine