Hussin Khan is the author of Virtual Filmmaking with Unreal Engine 5; we got the chance to sit down and find out more about his experience of writing with Packt.
Q: What is the name of your book?
Hussin: Virtual Filmmaking with Unreal Engine 5
Q: What are your specialist tech areas?
Hussin: 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) for the Media and Entertainment industry
Q: How did you become an author for Packt? Tell us about your journey. What was your motivation for writing this book?
Hussin: I began my career as the Head of Education at Rhythm and Hues, an Academy award-winning Animation and Visual Effects studio. I witnessed the industry’s shift from traditional visual effects to real-time content creation using Unreal Engine. Becoming an Unreal Engine authorized instructor, I leveraged my experience to educate and empower hundreds of individuals in this transformative technology. Recognizing the pivotal role of real-time content creation in the industry’s future, my motivation to write the book for Packt stemmed from a desire to fill educational gaps and address challenges faced by those navigating this dynamic landscape. My journey reflects a passion for sharing knowledge and contributing to the field’s evolution, as I continue to inspire others to embrace the possibilities of real-time content creation.
Q: What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning the book?
Hussin: The research underpinning this work draws extensively from my extensive professional experience in Visual Effects spanning several years. The investigation was methodically conducted, relying on my firsthand knowledge of Visual Effects creation. Additionally, I meticulously referenced content crafted by Epic Games utilizing Unreal Engine 5, as well as materials from several distinguished Animation and Visual Effects companies. The comprehensive research process, which spanned approximately one month, enabled the synthesis of high-quality and informed content for the development of the book.
Q: Did you face any challenges during the writing process? How did you overcome them?
Hussin: Certainly, given that this marks my inaugural venture into authorship, the process of orchestrating the writing schedule and generating accompanying imagery demanded a considerable amount of experimentation and meticulous planning. Effectively managing my time was imperative to ensure the seamless progression of the project, requiring a strategic approach to optimize productivity.
Q: What’s your take on the technologies discussed in the book? Where do you see these technologies heading in the future?
Hussin: The book is mainly about introducing real-time content creation for the media and entertainment industries. The industry is shifting, and it is going in the right direction.
Q: Why should readers choose this book over others already on the market? How would you differentiate your book from its competition?
Hussin: The primary focus of the book revolves around the introduction of real-time content creation within the dynamic landscape of the media and entertainment industry. As this sector undergoes a discernible shift, the narrative presented in the book underscores the industry’s trajectory, portraying a strategic alignment with the evolving trends and advancements, ultimately affirming its progression in a positive and forward-looking direction.
Q: What are the key takeaways you want readers to come away with from the book?
Hussin: The key takeaway I want the readers to take away from this book is that it does not take thousands or even millions of dollars and months and years to create production-quality content. With Unreal Engine 5, the only limitation is your imagination.
Q. What advice would you give to readers jumping into this technology? Do you have any top tips?
Hussin: For individuals embarking on their journey into this technology, my counsel is to wholeheartedly embrace its transformative potential. The ease and cost-effectiveness associated with original content creation have reached unprecedented levels. A singular piece of advice I emphasize is to meticulously attend to details. In the realm of real-time content creation, a nuanced focus on intricacies can significantly elevate the quality and impact of the produced work.
Q. Do you have a blog that readers can follow?
Hussin: No
Q: Can you share any blogs, websites, and forums to help readers gain a holistic view of the tech they are learning? What are the key takeaways you want readers to come away with from the book?
Hussin: https://dev.epicgames.com/community/
Q. How would you describe your author’s journey with Packt? Would you recommend Packt to aspiring authors?
Hussin: The process of authoring this book has been a tremendously enriching learning experience. Having harbored a longstanding aspiration to create a literary work aligned with my professional vocation, the realization of this goal has been immensely gratifying. I can affirm with utmost certainty that the endeavor has not only deepened my understanding of the subject matter but has also provided a platform to share valuable insights and knowledge rooted in my expertise, thereby contributing to the broader discourse within the industry.
Q. Do you belong to any tech community groups?
Hussin: Yes – https://www.artstation.com/hussin_khan
Q. What are your favorite tech journals? How do you keep yourself up to date on tech?
Hussin: I have purchased related books from Packt to keep me updated on the latest technology.
Q. How did you organize, plan, and prioritize your work and write the book?
Hussin: I must admit, encountering writer’s block was an occasional challenge during the process of writing this book. However, I successfully navigated through these moments of creative stagnation by adopting a strategic approach. I found that taking deliberate breaks and temporarily diverting my focus from the writing allowed my mind the necessary respite. This intentional pause not only alleviated the mental strain but also proved instrumental in reigniting a flow of ideas. By allowing my mind to recharge, I effectively overcame writer’s block, ensuring a more productive and inspired writing experience.
Q. What is that one writing tip that you found most crucial and would like to share with aspiring authors?
Hussin: Take breaks and watch movies!
Q. Would you like to share your social handles? If so, please share.
Hussin: LinkedIn
You can find Hussin’s book on Amazon by following this link: Please click here
