Sequencer and Timeline
Engine tools for cinematics and scripted scenes
Also known as: Unreal Sequencer · Unity Timeline · Cinematic sequence · Cutscene tool · Camera cuts Sequencer · Cinemachine
Definition
Sequencer in Unreal Engine and Timeline in Unity are the engines' tools for building cinematics, cutscenes and scripted moments. They are non-linear editors with tracks for cameras, characters, animation, audio, lights, effects and any property, arranged along a time axis, so artists can choreograph a scene directly in the game's real-time lighting and assets. Cameras are cut and animated with the help of Cinemachine in Unity and Cine Camera Actors in Unreal Engine.
In production
Build shots from the real game assets so the result matches the game, and set the frame rate of the sequence to the target, such as 24 or 30. Keep animations and cameras on separate tracks, and use shot sequences for each camera cut. Render the final result with the engine's movie render tools. Cinematics are a good portfolio showcase for artists who want to display their work in motion.
Tools that use Sequencer and Timeline
See also
Animation Frame Rates (24, 30, 60 fps)
Which frame rate to animate and export at
Control Rig
Unreal Engine node-based rigging and animation
Motion Capture
Recording real-actor motion
Focal Length and Field of View
How wide the camera sees
Turntable Render
Rotating presentation of an asset
Animation Notifies and Events
Triggers placed on specific frames of an animation
Demo Reel
A short video of your best work