
Learn blender shortcuts and plugins in this onboarding, including show wireframe, lock camera, faces by sides, and Node Wrangler, Copy Attributes, UV Squares, and After Effects JSX export.
Learn to model ships in blender using planes, a reference image, and a mirror modifier; apply loop cuts, Ctrl R, extrude, and scale to achieve accurate silhouettes.
Create a random distribution of ships along a curve using vector random values and translate instances, then normalize with map range and merge by distance to refine spacing.
Match and refine a cinematic opening composition in Blender by aligning the Highlander model and distant ships, adjust camera, resolution, aspect ratio, and distribution using curves and geometry nodes.
Enhance the Highlander texture with refined displacement, bump, and roughness to match shininess, then animate the sun and fog density using gradient textures, color ramps, and principled volume.
Import rendered sequences into After Effects, set their frame rate to 24 fps, and install the QC AV3.2 chromatic aberration plugin from Plugin Everything to speed up color correction.
This course is a continuation of the Dune Masterclass series, where we recreate iconic movie shots using Blender. If you haven’t completed Part 1, no worries – this course stands on its own.
In the first part of our series, we crafted the opening shot with the highliner arriving at Arrakis. In this second installment, we’ll proceed with the sequence as the ship enters the planet’s atmosphere.
While the first course balanced modeling, texturing, animation, and post-production, this one will focus heavily on building a geometry node system. This system will be used to distribute, scale, scatter, and animate our ships, ensuring a dynamic and realistic scene.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this course:
Geometry Nodes:
Develop a robust geometry node system to manage the distribution, scaling, scattering, and animation of ships.
Animation:
Enhance your animation techniques to create smooth, realistic movements as the highliner descends through the atmosphere.
Post-Production:
Once the Blender scene is complete, transition to After Effects for post-production work. You’ll learn to apply visual effects and compositing techniques to polish your final product.
By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of advanced Blender functionalities and post-production workflows, enabling you to create cinematic scenes with professional quality. Let’s dive in and continue our journey on Arrakis!