The VFX Process #65 Samster: The Last of Us Returns — In Unreal Engine!
Jun 6, 2025
Sam Denison, known as Samster, is a talented VFX artist and filmmaker who crafts CGI animated shorts using advanced motion capture technology. He shares insights from his fan-made film 'We Few Survivors,' set in 'The Last of Us' universe, revealing the challenges of using Vicon motion capture and Unreal Engine. Sam discusses the emotional and ethical dimensions of fan filmmaking, the importance of community support, and his personal journey through the digital arts during tough times, emphasizing resilience and the power of collaboration in storytelling.
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Sold Car To Rebuild Final Project
- After university data loss, Sam sold his car to buy a 3090 PC and re-made a lost final project in a month.
- That all-nighter pivot earned a solid grade and taught him commitment under pressure.
Vicon Hooked The Project
- Robin reached out and offered access to a Vicon mocap volume, which Sam jumped on to expand a Last of Us piece.
- That access let him rewrite and scale the short into a longer, mocap-driven production.
Actors Trained To Be Infected
- Sam ran a half-day mocap shoot for infected performances and prepped actors with infection stages and breath work.
- He used acting experience to get performers physically and mentally into character inside tight mocap suits.