Learn how to create cinematics in Unreal Engine 4 | Starter Guide

JavertValbarr

Since we started posting my UE4 adventures on our social channels we've gotten a few requests for tutorials. Until we get around to that, here are the resources I used to get to where I am now, 4 months after starting.

Where to Start

First, download UE4: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/

My first goal was to go through the Getting Started with Unreal Engine course from the Content Library that Epic Games has online (you might have to sign in to see it). Within this course there is a section for "Your First Hour with UE" to get you up and running with a project quickly.

Expanding Knowledge

After that beginner's course I looked at the ones that go into more detail about specific topics I knew would help what I was wanting to do:

• Lighting Essential Concepts and Effects
• Materials - Exploring Essential Concepts
• Post Processing Essentials

Other Tools

• The company Quixel makes excellent programs for creating assets to use in UE4; I use Bridge and Mixer, which gives me free access to super high-quality 3D meshes and the ability to customize the material however I like, respectively.
• In the Epic Games launcher that you use to launch UE4, check out the Learn tab up top. There are several pre-made projects that you can download and pick apart for free.

Other Helpful Tutorials

With some of the basics out of the way, you can start watching tutorials that will help you make cinematics.

• Using Sequencer (UE4's editor)
• How to use your iPhone as a virtual camera
• Custom shader creation
• Livestream on virtual production - tips scattered throughout
• Rolling Smoke using Niagra - useful for atmospherics

tddavis

@JavertValbarr Hey, thanks  for the breakdown on your path of learning.  It will help tremendously.

Stargazer54

 Ditto!

Andy001z

Thumbs up

FilmSensei

Very cool! Thanks for the info.

cluelessnube

Yes, thanks so much.  As it happens it's on my list to download and install Unreal today, and I obviously know nothing at this point so the links you've provided will be a great starting point.

I found the following video yesterday where this fellow goes in to considerable detail comparing Unity and Unreal.   For someone like me who knows nothing about either, it seemed a good starting point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1513&v=M5FEsrbsb_M&feature=emb_logo