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Unreal Animation with Control Rig

Unreal Animation
with Control Rig

With Simon Warwick | WED 6PM UTC | Starting 5th November
This intensive 6-week course introduces you to real-time character animation with Unreal’s Control Rig system.
OVERVIEW

Bridge the gap between traditional 3D workflows and real-time animation in Unreal Engine.

Animation in Unreal is transforming industries from games to film. In this course, you’ll learn how to animate directly inside Unreal, using Control Rig, Sequencer, and Metahumans to build polished real-time character performances.

Perfect for 3D artists, animators, and technical artists wanting to expand into real-time animation.

Unreal Animation with Control Rig (1)
Course Details

How the Course Works

A quick snapshot of the schedule, class format, and learning experience.
tuition-bronze-01 Difficulty

Intermediate

 
certificate-bronze-03 Pre Requisites

Basic familiarity with 3D software (preferably Maya) and fundamental animation principles

 
Tools Requirements

Windows PC
Unreal Editor

 
calendar-bronze Program Length

Six weeks of live, mentor-led classes

 

 
online-bronze-01 Delivery Mode

Live online via Zoom.
Recordings are provided for review

 
start-date-bronze-02 Start Date

Starting Wednesday
5th Nov 2025
6pm UTC

 
OUTCOME

What You’ll Learn

Gain industry-relevant skills and knowledge you can apply right away, with guidance from expert mentors.

1
Technical Mastery
  • Establish efficient Maya-to-Unreal asset pipelines with proper optimization
  • Create professional animations using Sequencer's advanced toolset
  • Build and customize Control Rig systems for complex character animation
2
Creative Applications
  • Integrate Metahumans into interactive scenes with realistic behaviors
  • Implement facial performance capture workflows for believable character expressions
  • Design and rig custom characters with mechanical and organic animation systems
3
Professional Skills
  • Troubleshoot common pipeline issues and maintain clean project organization
  • Optimize animations for real-time performance without sacrificing quality
  • Collaborate effectively using industry-standard workflows and naming conventions
LESSONS

Your Learning Journey

Work through a series of lessons designed to help you develop confidence, master new tools, and complete real projects.
  • 01 Pipeline
  • 02 Sequencer
  • 03 Control Rig
  • 04 Metahumans
  • 05 Performance Capture
  • 06 Custom Rigging

Pipeline Foundations: Maya to Unreal Workflow

Master the essential export/import pipeline between Maya and Unreal. Learn asset preparation, optimization, and clean workflow setup for smooth animation.

Sequencer Essentials: Cinematic Animation Tools

Explore Unreal’s Sequencer timeline. Practice keyframing, layering animations, and building cinematic animated sequences.

Control Rig Mastery: Advanced Character Animation

Dive deep into Control Rig. Create custom animation controls and achieve natural, professional character motion directly in Unreal.

Metahuman Integration: Bringing Characters to Life

Implement Metahumans into your projects, setting up interactive behaviors and realistic character systems.

Performance Capture Pipeline: Facial Animation Excellence

Use Metahuman Animator for facial performance capture. Learn motion capture integration and expression workflows for believable characters.

Custom Rigging Workshop: Building Your Own Control Systems

Create a complete robot character rig from scratch. Implement custom rig controls and mechanical animation systems inside Unreal.

Overview

Accredited Bachelor Degrees & Diplomas

CG Spectrum offers specialised creative degrees and diploma programs designed to prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry. These programs focus on practical, industry-relevant skills, taught by experienced professionals. Key areas include:

  • 3D & 2D Animation - Learn character and creature animation for film and games using industry-standard tools.
  • Game Design & Development - Master game mechanics, level design, and programming to create immersive games.
  • Visual Effects - Explore compositing, simulations, and digital effects for film and TV.
  • Digital Illustration & Concept Art - Develop skills in character design, environments, and storytelling for games and film.
  • 3D Modeling - Create assets for games, films, and virtual productions, focusing on both hard-surface and organic modeling.

Programs are flexible, online, and focus on hands-on learning, portfolio development, and mentorship from industry experts. These courses are suited for beginners and advanced learners looking to break into the creative industries.

Mikhail Macaranas - Quest Accepted
industry expert

Meet Your Mentor

Simon started in 2005 as a Character Animator, advancing to Senior Technical Cinematic Animator in AAA game development until 2013.

He specializes in Unreal Engine workflows, technical animation, motion capture, and educational technology development. Simon combines game industry expertise with a passion for technical innovation in creative education.
Simon Warwick

Studios + Projects

Course Options

Learn your way

Join a small group class for a collaborative experience, or opt for private 1-on-1 training for personalized guidance.
One-Time Payment
7-Day Refund Guarantee

Group Class

US$ 999
US$ 999
Learn, build, and grow together.

The Group Class is the core program designed for collaboration, peer feedback, and community learning — while keeping the group small enough for personal mentor support.

  • Level: Beginner
  • Lessons: 6
  • Capacity: 6
  • Prerequisites:  
    Basic familiarity with 3D software (preferably Maya) and fundamental animation principles
  • Required Hardware: Windows PC
  • Required Software: Unreal Editor

Class is live every Wednesday at 6pm UTC.
Starting November 5th.

Private 1 on 1

US$ 2,495
US$ 2,495

If you prefer learning one-on-one with a mentor at your own pace, we also offer a private version of this course.

The requirements (software, tools, format, and support) are the same as the Group Class. 

The private version runs over 6 weeks, giving you:

  • Tailored guidance to match your goals

  • Flexible scheduling within a clear 6-week timeline

  • Direct feedback on your work

  • The freedom to learn at a pace that suits you

  • A stronger mentor relationship with focused support

 

FAQ

Find quick answers to the most common questions about this course.

Do I need previous Unreal Engine experience?

No prior Unreal experience is required. We'll cover essential navigation and interface basics, though having explored the engine beforehand will help you focus more on animation-specific features.

What software do I need?

You'll need access to Unreal Engine 5 (free) and ideally Maya for the pipeline lessons. Alternative 3D software can work for basic concepts, but Maya-specific workflows will be demonstrated.

Will I need motion capture equipment?

No specialized hardware is required. We'll use Unreal's built-in tools and demonstrate webcam-based capture techniques that work with standard equipment.

How much time should I dedicate outside of sessions? Plan for 2-3 hours per week of practice time to complete exercises and experiment with techniques covered in each session.
What if I miss a live session? All sessions are recorded and available for review. However, live participation is strongly encouraged for real-time feedback and collaborative problem-solving.
Will this prepare me for professional work? Yes - the course covers industry-standard workflows used in game development, film, and virtual production. You'll build a portfolio piece and gain practical skills directly applicable to professional projects.