FILMMAKING WITHOUT LIMITS – UNLOCK REAL-TIME CREATIVITY!
COURSE OVERVIEW.
The film and entertainment industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of real-time technologies that are redefining how stories are imagined, designed, and brought to life. At the center of this shift, Unreal Engine has emerged as a cornerstone for modern production pipelines—powering everything from virtual production and previsualization to final-quality cinematics and real-time visual effects.
By enabling filmmakers, animators, and VFX artists to work inside fully interactive digital environments, Unreal Engine removes the traditional barriers between pre-production, production, and post-production. Directors can visualize scenes before stepping onto a physical set, cinematographers can experiment with lighting and camera moves in real time, and creative teams can collaborate around a shared, living scene that evolves instantly based on creative decisions.
As the demand for photorealistic visuals, immersive worlds, and agile production methods continues to grow, Unreal Engine is no longer just a technical tool—it has become a creative enabler. It empowers artists and filmmakers to push beyond traditional limitations, bridging the gap between imagination and execution, and shaping the future of cinematic storytelling in a real-time world.
Learning Language: choose to learn in Arabic or English
Learning type: Hybrid (Online live classes/Labs + Pre-recorded material)
Duration: 3 months
PROGRAM CURRICULUM.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to cinematic storytelling using Unreal Engine. Students will begin by mastering Sequencer, Unreal Engine's powerful tool for creating professional-grade cinematics. This includes learning track management, keyframing, and building complex cinematic sequences. The course then delves into character and camera animation, focusing on creating realistic performances and visually compelling storytelling through animation techniques, camera movements, and cinematic composition.
Students will also explore real-time lighting and rendering, learning to achieve high-end visuals comparable to traditional rendering methods by understanding different lighting techniques, materials, and optimization strategies. The integration of motion capture and facial animation data is covered, teaching students how to import and apply motion data, refine animations, and achieve nuanced facial expressions for lifelike character performances.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to virtual production techniques, including in-camera VFX and green screen replacements, enabling students to create realistic virtual environments and seamlessly integrate live-action footage. Finally, the course explores enhancing storytelling with dynamic visual effects and physics-based interactions, teaching students to create particle effects, simulate physics, and add impactful visual elements to their scenes.
Final Project:
You will have the opportunity to develop a self-chosen project, which will help you build your portfolio with guidance from the instructors through mentorship sessions. This project will provide you with real-world context, allowing you to learn how to address technical challenges and how to find solutions before entering the job market.
UNREAL ENGINE FOR CINEMATIC.
Month 1 – Foundations of Real-Time Cinematics
Week 1 – Unreal Engine for Film & Real-Time Workflows
Week 2 – Cinematics Fundamentals with Sequencer
Week 3 – Advanced Sequencer & Shot Management
Week 4 – Cameras & Cinematic Composition
Month 2 – Characters, Lighting & Performance
Week 5 – Character Animation for Cinematics
Week 6 – Performance Refinement & Facial Animation
Week 7 – Real-Time Lighting for Film & Virtual Sets
Week 8 – Materials, Rendering & Visual Quality
Month 3 – Virtual Production, VFX & Final Project
Week 9 – Virtual Production Fundamentals
Week 10 – Real-Time VFX & Physics for Storytelling
Week 11 – Final Project Development & Mentorship
Week 12 – Finalization, Polish & Presentation
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES.
Create cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine using Sequencer, mastering shot structure, camera cuts, keyframing, and real-time storytelling workflows.
Design and animate compelling performances by integrating character animation, motion capture, and facial animation for believable on-screen acting.
Apply cinematic lighting and rendering techniques to achieve high-end, photorealistic visuals using real-time lighting, materials, and optimization strategies.
Execute virtual production workflows including in-camera VFX and green-screen integration for seamless blending of digital and live-action content.
Enhance storytelling with real-time VFX and physics by creating dynamic particle effects and interactive elements that support narrative impact.
Deliver a portfolio-ready cinematic project that demonstrates industry-relevant skills, problem-solving ability, and professional production standards.
LEARN METHOD.
NOETA's holistic education fosters deep understanding and practical skills through a unique learning cycle integrating theory, demos, and hands-on projects, delivered via a flexible hybrid model.
This comprehensive learning cycle is powered by our Hybrid Learning Model, which combines the best of both worlds:
Live Instruction: Engage in real-time sessions with expert instructors, ask questions as concepts are introduced, receive immediate feedback, and take part in interactive discussions that clarify complex topics and connect theory to practical use.
Live Lab Sessions: Move from theory to execution through dedicated hands-on lab sessions. During these labs, learners work directly on their projects while instructors provide close guidance, live feedback, and targeted corrections. This environment mirrors a professional studio setting, allowing participants to troubleshoot issues, refine their work, and develop problem-solving skills with expert support at every stage.
Pre-recorded Materials: Benefit from a rich library of on-demand content designed to complement live sessions. Revisit key concepts, rewatch step-by-step demonstrations, and reinforce your learning at your own pace—anytime, anywhere—ensuring no detail is missed and mastery is achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! Students interested in taking courses, may benefit from a conversation with an Admissions Advisor. Advisors can help you choose courses that are designed to meet your specific goals, taking into consideration your current skill level, weekly schedule, timeline, and budget. If you'd like help choosing courses, please contact us.
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Courses will generally span 24 weeks in length, meeting twice per week on a scheduled day and time. Some courses may be offered in a variety of schedule formats. Please check the course schedule for course schedule information.
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Yes. NOETA’s courses are High-level, for-credit classes. These courses include classwork, homework, and grades.
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If you are unable to attend a class session, simply notify your instructor. Absences may not exceed 30% of the total course time. Students who do not maintain 70% attendance may receive an unsatisfactory grade.
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Each class session is scheduled within a 2-hour block. A class will typically consist of homework review, a short Q&A session, and lecture.
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Due to the advanced nature of our curriculum and high volume of coursework, it is recommended that full-time students focus primarily on their studies while attending.
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You should expect to spend 9 to 10 hours a week on online-class coursework and homework, per class.
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NOETA is sensitive to the fact that a great deal of information is given in course lectures. Students are encouraged to audio record lectures with instructor permission only, but please note that students must not film lectures, either with a camera or their cell phones, under any circumstances.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.