Jovan Dudić, Technical Director at ILBES, was selected among the 15 animation, film and game art professionals to participate in the intensive five-week-long Unreal Fellowship – Storytelling. 

The program was proudly organized by 3Lateral and Epic Games in Novi Sad during the period of May and June at the premises of the Science and Technology Park Novi Sad.  

This was the first in-person global UE Fellowship ever, with exclusive access to Meta Human Animator before its public release, allowing experienced 3D artists across various fields to test it firsthand. 

The unique educational program covers the principles of linear storytelling in animation and film production, relying also on the primary disciplines in traditional animation (digital storytelling, modeling, layout, lighting, rendering, VFX). The program provides training in the latest Unreal Engine tools which are incredibly beneficial in creating or supervising visual effects. 

“Over the past month I’ve gained skills which have already helped me become more efficient in engine. I’ve also got a chance to work more on the creative aspects which I haven’t dealt with before. 

Unreal Engine is full of possibilities which allow you to complete many stages of the project by yourself. Considering my curiosity and experience in the production pipeline, I can tell that this program was a huge benefit for me for many reasons”, said Jovan Dudić. 

The fellowship was wrapped up on June 23 on the Epic Games Community Summit with the premiere of the cinematics created during the course which we can’t wait to see. These powerful and stylistically diverse short films were done with the help of the Meta Human Animator. 

The organizers from 3Lateral and Epic Games, as well as the partners from Take One and Demagog Studio, addressed the packed auditorium of the Summit. 

Adam Kovač, Solution Specialist at Epic Games, highlighted this unique opportunity for local artists to work with the tools and technology used by Disney and Netflix. He thanked all the individuals and companies who recognized the value of this program and invested their time and resources, as well as partners and mentors who greatly impacted the quality of the classes.  

Ognjen Toholj from Take one  talked about the Performance Capture technology they worked with, and the complexity of the process; from casting and rehearsals, to shooting, data collection, and post-production. 

Igor Simić from Demagog Studio talked in detail about transmedia storytelling. 

Marija Aparac, Community Manager at Materriya also thanked everyone involved, and announced the new cycle of the program which will take place in September. 

The entire event was flavored with the great performance and jokes of Nikola Silić, 2D/3D artist and comedian. 

We look forward to the worldwide premiere of the final cinematics! 

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On behalf of ILBE Studios, we thank the organizers 3Lateral, Epic Games, and Materriya, and the partners Take One and Demagog Studio for this fantastic learning opportunity and experience.