In this intensive six-day workshop, I led Tech Hub students from grades 10 to 12 through the basics of Unreal Engine 5, hosted at Manitoba’s first virtual production facility, StudioLab xR. Most students had never used Unreal Engine or similar 3D programs, so this was an exciting first experience in digital environment creation. Beyond building their own 3D scenes, students participated in interactive tech demos, giving them hands-on exposure to the world of virtual production. This unique opportunity allowed students to explore cutting-edge tools and workflows used in the industry, develop new skills and spark interest in a rapidly growing field.
Kicking off the first class
Epic Laucher Introduction
Epic Launcher Exploration
Unreal Engine UI
In just four short classes, students used their knowledge of the Unreal Engine interface to build these detailed alleyway environments. Each render showcases their creativity and technical skills as they brought unique urban scenes to life.
This video collection brings students' alleyway environments to life, showcasing their use of depth, lighting, and artistic composition. Through dynamic camera movements and thoughtful scene setup, each video highlights the students' creativity and understanding of immersive 3D space, gained over just a few classes.
In the final Tech Hub session, students had the opportunity to dive into Unreal Engine’s physics system, working through various challenges that tested their knowledge of the engine. Together we explored concepts like collision and mass in the context of game development, gaining a deeper understanding of how these mechanics play a role in creating interactive experiences. To wrap up, students put their creativity to the test by building their own Rube Goldberg machines, showcasing what they learned.
Rokoko Motion Capture
LED Volume and Lighting System
LED Volume
MetaHumans & Live Link Face
"Avery Powell's ability to break down complex concepts into manageable steps was a key factor in his success as an instructor. His enthusiasm for the subject was evident. He brought energy to each session, which helped maintain student interest and motivation. During the workshop, Avery made a point to understand each student’s unique challenges and strengths, offering tailored guidance and feedback. This personalized attention helped students overcome obstacles and achieve their learning goals. Avery’s commitment to continuous improvement was evident in his teaching practice. He regularly sought feedback from colleagues, using it to refine their teaching practises."
"As an instructor at Tech Hub, Avery did an exceptional job leading students through a detailed tutorial of environment building using Unreal Engine. Avery was well organized, knew the subject matter well, and did a great job circulating the class and getting the students to buy in and participate. Avery's calm and respectful demeanour established a great environment for the students to learn, and it was clear that students were enjoying and engaging with the concepts."