Character Introduction

academic course, individual

3 weeks, continuous, 2024

#virtual production, #animation, #world building, #avatar creation

Unreal Engine, Ready Player Me, Mixamo

Character Introduction is a project that explores how setting, lighting, character design, and cinematography can be used to introduce a character without relying on direct exposition or dialogue. The focus is on Nova, a fictional character I created. I designed Nova’s avatar in Ready Player Me, selecting outfits that reflect his personality and role. Then, I created the scene in Unreal Engine with environment echoing the setting of Nova and the storyline. The animation for the character, sourced from Mixamo, along with the camera movements were also chosen to enhance the introduction of Nova.



Storyline
The fleet finally arrived at a unpopulated land. The planet was coded "Brick". As an official adventurer and photographer with a secret mission, Nova was one of the first people to investigate "Brick" before further work could be done. On this lonely planet, he saw something weird... himself!

storyboard 1 by ChatGPT

storyboard 2 by ChatGPT
Avatar Creation
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Name: Nova
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Personality: unconventional, enthusiastic, active, curious
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Role: adventurer, photographer
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Tool: Ready Player Me


Scene Construction

landscape

landscape (lighting modified)

Nova in the landscape

Nova in the landscape (lighting modified)
Animation

jog forward

running jump
Camera Movements and Audio

camera framing 1

camera movement

camera framing 2

background music
Final Video
Techniques explained
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Setting / Lighting: natural setting and warm sunlight indicate that the character is adventurous and lively
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Character Design: outdoorsy outfit with futuristic elements (need to add hiking gears and a camera though)
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Character Movement / Performance: jogging and running indicate that the character is active and curious (need to fix animation in UE5 though)
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Camera Framing and Movement: from closeup to tilted arcing to a backlit full shot, showing Nova’s facial experessions and facial gears first, then him in the environment as well as his prosthesis
On this page or go back?
On this page
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Storyline
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Avatar Creation
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Scene Construction
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Animation
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Camera Movements and Audio
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Final Video
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References
Other Archived Projects
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Digital Heritage Exhibition
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Charity: Water Marketing Campaign
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Tianzige NGO’s Official Website
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Walligraphy
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Jackson Square Fountain
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Houyi Shoots the Sun
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New York Series
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Character Introduction
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Fishing Day
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Shanghai Series
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Stone of the Sun
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Quiet Time Room
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Electromagnetic Gun
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Acrylic Paintings
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Modular Font