[Overview]

Kaiju is a short film that reimagines the classic Godzilla narrative through a more modern view, Tapish and I blended LED Volume Stage shots with virtual production techniques. As a producer and XR technician, I led the project’s logistical and technical execution, while my creative partner, Tapish Golcha, co-directed the film on SCAD’s XR stage. Together, we brought to life an immersive world where Kaiju emerges as both a destructive force and a symbol of humanity’s relationship with nature. The film was shot using a combination of live action footage, virtual production on the XR stage, and fully in-engine sequences, showcasing the versatility of Unreal Engine in modern filmmaking.

[Inspiration]

The concept for Kaiju was born out of our shared love for monster films and desire to explore the thematic depth. Mainly, we both wanted the perfect opportunity to try out different things we had never done before. The goal was to create a story that that was visually captivating, focusing on the Kaiju as a metaphor for environmental destruction and resilience. The XR stage at SCAD provided the perfect platform to experiment with virtual production, motion capture, photogrammetry, Niagara effects, and Meta Humans.

[Process & Key Shots]

1. Virtual Camera Sequence (First Shot)

The film opens with a fully in engine sequence filmed using Unreal Engine’s virtual camera system. By connecting the IP address of my phone to my PC, I was able to use my phone as a virtual camera, walking around a digital set in real time to film the first scene. This allowed for precise camera movements of the virtual environment with the live-action footage. This part of the film was added as an opportunity for me to try something I always wanted to do before, the in engine virtual tour type cameras.

Key Achievements:

• Real-time camera control using Unreal Engine’s virtual camera system.

• Conjunction of virtual environments with live action footage.

2. Metahuman Sequence (Second Shot)

The second scene features a photorealistic Metahuman replica of myself, created using photogrammetry and motion capture via Metahuman Animator. This sequence was part of a separate project which you can check out by clicking on: Breaking News: Anomaly, which I integrated into Kaiju to enhance the narrative. The Metahuman was animated using motion capture data, bringing a lifelike performance to the digital character.

Key Achievements:

• Photorealistic character creation using photogrammetry and Metahuman Animator.

• Integration of motion capture data for realistic animation.

3. Helicopter and Jet Sequences

The film includes action aerial shots, such as a helicopter flying over a city and jets flying towards Kaiju. I created the Niagara effects for the jet propulsion fire, adding a layer of realism to the sequences. These shots were fully animated in Unreal Engine, showing the power of Realtime rendering for complex visual effects.

Key Achievements:

• Creation of custom Niagara effects for jet propulsion.

• Animation of complex aerial shots in Unreal Engine.

4. Kaiju Animation and Final Shots

The remaining shots feature Kaiju itself, which we animated in Unreal Engine. Using a combination of keyframe animation and procedural techniques so its movements felt impactful. Some of the live action shots were rendered in real time on the XR stage.

Key Achievements:

• Animation of the kaiju using keyframe and procedural techniques.

• Real time rendering and integration of the kaiju on the XR stage.

[Challenges & Growth]

One of the biggest challenges of this project was managing the technical and creative demands of virtual production while ensuring a smooth workflow for the entire team. As the XR technician, I was responsible for animating and tweaking Unreal Engine sequences in real time during filming. This required a deep understanding of the software we used called Disguise, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to changes on set.

Key Challenges:

• Real-Time Animation: Adjusting Unreal Engine assets and animations on the fly to match the director’s vision and the actor’s performance.

• Team Coordination: Balancing my roles as producer and XR technician, ensuring that the crew (including the DP, gaffer, AC, and grips) had the resources and support they needed.

• Technical Workflow: Streamlining the pipeline between Unreal Engine and the XR stage to maintain efficiency and visual consistency.

Through this project, I gained invaluable experience in virtual production, real-time animation, and team management. I also developed a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking, as every member of the crew played a crucial role in bringing Kaiju to life.

[The Result]

The final product is a visually stunning short film that showcases the potential of virtual production in modern storytelling. By leveraging the XR stage and Unreal Engine, we were able to create a seamless blend of live-action and digital elements, resulting in a cinematic experience that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

Technical Highlights:

• Unreal Engine Sequences: Designed and animated dynamic environments, including a cityscape under siege and a dramatic kaiju reveal, all rendered in real time on the XR stage.

• Lighting Integration: Collaborated with the DP and gaffer to ensure that the virtual environments matched the practical lighting on set, creating a cohesive look.

• Post-Production Polish: Enhanced the footage with subtle VFX touches, including particle effects and color grading, to elevate the film’s visual impact.

[Key Takeaways]

• Virtual Production Expertise: Gained hands-on experience with Unreal Engine and the XR stage, solidifying my skills in real-time animation and virtual filmmaking.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Learned how to effectively manage a team and balance multiple roles, from producer to technician, while maintaining a clear creative vision.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Developed the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges on set and adapt to the evolving needs of the project.

Kaiju represents not only a technical achievement but also a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in filmmaking. It’s a project I’m incredibly proud of, and it has inspired me to continue exploring the intersection of technology and storytelling in my future work.