Project Cypher

This project is about making a video clip for rappers from the rock academy. We will be making the video clip in the Fontys Pixel Playground, otherwise known as the videolab. After our first meeting with the clients in the videolab we came to the idea of making the video clip in a colosseum. We will be making this colosseum using blender and Unreal Engine. With the colosseum model in Unreal Engine we can project it on the screen in the videolab and then film the rappers in front of the screen. With the technology of the pixel playground, when the camera moves, the background moves correspondingly creating the illusion of depth, making it seem that the rappers are actually in the colosseum. We will have to work on lighting to further enhance this effect. I started with doing research on the meaning behind Cypher and found that it is when a group of rappers come together in a circle and exchange energy, information and ideas. You need at least 3 people but most of the times it’s more. We have also spoke with the rappers through teams and the rappers in real life in the videolab to talk over the plans and ideas, what was possible and what was unrealistic in the time frame.

Blender and Unreal Engine

For this project, I designed and built a detailed 3D model of the Colosseum using Blender and integrated it into Unreal Engine for real-time rendering. The focus was on achieving a realistic architectural structure, accurate lighting, and atmospheric presentation. Through this process, I strengthened my skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and scene optimization, while exploring how to bring static models to life within a game engine environment. The result is an immersive and visually compelling digital reconstruction that showcases both artistic detail and technical precision.

Live action shooting

After building the Colosseum scene, I brought it into a virtual production environment at a film lab. The scene was displayed on a large LED film screen and rendered in real time using Unreal Engine. With a tracked camera setup, the virtual background moved naturally with the camera’s perspective, creating a convincing sense of depth and immersion. This experiment allowed me to explore how digital environments can interact with live-action filmmaking, combining 3D design, real-time rendering, and cinematic techniques into one cohesive workflow.

Editing

After filming, I handled most of the post-production process. I edited the footage, refined the pacing, and enhanced the overall visual flow to best showcase the 3D environment in motion. I also performed color correction and grading to achieve a cinematic look that matched the lighting and atmosphere of the virtual scene. This stage allowed me to bring all elements together — from 3D design to final visual presentation — ensuring a cohesive and polished result.