Final Year Project: Cut Scene Cinematic Trailer
for 'Sol Invictus' Computer Game
For my final year project, I collaborated with final year students from the 'Computer and Video Game' (CVG) department. My task was to create a cinematic cut scene trailer for a space based computer game called 'Sol Invictus'. The CVG students developed the game and the intention is for Sol Invictus to be released on the Android and Apple stores.
Lower down this page you will find the storyboards for the cut scene trailer I created. The clips and pictures below are either from:
Lower down this page you will find the storyboards for the cut scene trailer I created. The clips and pictures below are either from:
- Scenes or models I am creating for the trailer
- Experimental self development projects I have worked on during my final year, to strengthen my understanding and application of effects and improve the trailer
Final Year Animation Storyboards
'Sol Invictus' Computer Game Trailer
In the storyboards below you can see descriptions of each scene for the animated cut scene trailer I created. The story board enabled me to stick to the content agreed with the game developers.
SOL INVICTUS Trailer
My competed trailer for the game 'SOL INVICTUS'.
Sol Invictus Animatic
This animatic provides an unfinished, rough guide of what it is I will create. To produce this clip, I had to work closely with the CVG students to ensure the clip complemented and was consistent with the art direction for Sol Invictus, which was still in development. I also collaborated with a student from 'Royal Northern College of Music', who composed and produced the score for the animatic.
Sol Invictus Game Tutorial
This is our tutorial video for Sol Invictus by Spectre Games. The game is a space based RTS game primarily for android devices. The video was uploaded by Stephen Forte, 3D Modeller and Illustrator from Spectre Games. It provides an overview of the Sol Invictus game concept.
Distress Beacon
At the beginning of my animation there will be a short message that appears on the cockpit computer screen, this will be the distress beacon and the motivation behind the games journey.
Fleet Reveal
I created this scene to familiarise myself with animating numerous moving objects in 3D space. I edited in 'Premier Pro' and added effects in 'After Effects'.
Corridor Environment 3DS Max
The corridor environment forms part of my final cut scene animation. The scene I built will incorporates a transition from the outside of a spaceship to the inside. Once the corridor build was completed, I animated a camera within the scene.
Corridor Environment Test Render in 3DS Max
I focussed on materials and textures for each scene. I used the mental ray renderer in 3DS Max to create this short clip. I then added more geometry to these scenes to further develop the detail. In this scene, I have used over 20 different materials and textures to create this effect.
Gyroscope Room Environment Build in 3DS Max
I created this Gyroscope Room using 3DS Max. This early model formed a scene for the environment in the final animation. I aimed for lots of momentum in this scene as it simulates the power source for warp drive of a space ship.
Gyroscope Room Environment Test Render in 3DS Max
I altered the build slightly as the geometry was not as tidy as it could have been. I used an open chamfer to get the grid spacing in the ceiling. I experimented with materials and textures. I identified some further adjustments to be made to this scene before it was included within the trailer. The clip is just 11 seconds long and that was to reduce the render time.
Cockpit Environment Pre-Render in 3DS Max
I created this space ship cockpit in 3DS Max. It was developed further and incorporated into the first scene of the animatic trailer. I have provided an initial pre-rendered view.Following this build, I then created the materials needed for each component.
Cockpit Test Render in 3DS Max
Cockpit Render Update
Cockpit rear view
Cockpit and Sun
Team Leaders Update
I created the clip below to demonstrate to the team how the trailer was developing. Throughout the process of creating this animatic, I have ensured I have gained regular feed back from the rest of the team. Through the incorporation of regular check points throughout the project, it has been easier to make any small changes and apply suggestions and feedback into the trailer.
Photo Realisim
Light Effect Experiment in 3DS Max
I Created the light bulb using 3DS MAX. This was a self development project. I applied the skills and knowledge I gained from this experiment, to create a realistic light effect within my corridor environment. I made further changes on this project following advice from my tutors, regarding the correct luminosity settings.
Light, Colour & Movement in 3DS Max
As with the light bulb, this next clip is also experimental self development. I applied the lighting effects developed on this piece, into my final year cut scene trailer. The intention of this exercise was to create materials that glow and move. The difficulty with animating this clip, was ensuring the glow moved in motion with the solid orb.