As Environment Artist on this project, it was my job to create the landscape in Unreal 4. I was given a rough animatic/storyboard and some references, which I used to visualise the scene and how everything would play out seamlessly across the landscape, starting by breaking it down into key shots. With these shots and reference in mind I then sculpted the terrain base using the UE4 landscape tool, before adding additional details and creating/painting the ground materials using a variety of (mainly) supplied textures. Once the landscape base was done, I added the 3D assets (foliage, rocks etc) - most of these game assets were from the Serious Engine so required some setting up to work correctly in UE4. I also sourced some Megascan assets for additional set dressing and bulking out. All this done while working in tandem with the rest of the Trailer Farm cinematic team, whom I was in constant dialogue with over Slack.
Initially I was only tasked with taking this to grey block out stage, but as the project evolved I was asked to carry on and ended up taking it to near completion. Turnaround was quick and I was only contracted on the job for a limited time, then after lockdown hit midway through - new logistical challenges arose which meant the final pass was handled by The Trailer Farm. Although I can’t take full credit for all the environment work, it hasn’t changed a whole lot from when it left my hands apart from a final polish and some fluffing out.
It was an honour to be involved in this classic franchise!