Unreal Render Test
Nuke Comp Comparison
Over the weekend, I started working on the bedroom scene in Unreal. Most of the models came from kitbashes and online sources, but I created the bed, curtains, room layout, and some of the texturing myself. I also ran a few render tests to dial in the settings and see how far I could push the scene.
I ran into some issues with ray-traced shadows, but I was able to resolve them with a few console render variables. Alongside that, I built a global Nuke script that I can reuse for future renders to quickly add lens effects and color grading, giving the shots a cleaner and more realistic look.
Overall, I’m really happy with the results so far. That said, I still plan to revisit the scene and add more decorations and assets to better highlight Henry’s love for creatures and monsters.
Sweet Ending Update
I also worked on updating the scene where the Wolfman is greeted by his fellow monster friends. The earlier version wasn’t very clear, so I restructured it with a proper shot flow to better convey the moment and strengthen the storytelling.
Dr. Freagmen Cloths WIP
Here’s a 3D render of the Doctor’s clothes. I started with the Marvelous Designer model and then textured it in Substance. One area I’d like to refine is the coat’s collar — I plan to adjust the pattern so the flaps extend further down.
Script Update
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced with my story was making the death of Dr. Freagmen feel truly earned. I had to balance a few key conflicts:
- I can’t add more time to the story, since I need to keep my workload realistic. Adding extra scenes would make the project unmanageable.
- I needed an edit that would build audience hatred toward the Doctor without being overly violent at the beginning, so the ending would carry more weight.
- The Wolfman needed a stronger reason to resent the Doctor beyond simply being held captive and despised.
My solution was to shift the focus away from the Doctor’s harsh words and instead show his cruelty through action. In the new version, the Wolfman is playing with a mouse — a small comfort and connection for him — until the Doctor notices and deliberately crushes it under his foot. This moment shows how heartless and uncompassionate he is, not just toward the Wolfman, but toward life itself.
I believe this adds a stronger character arc: the Wolfman now has a clear reason to hate the Doctor, and when he ultimately kills him, the Doctor’s death feels like the direct consequence of his own cruelty.