Trees were a key element in my project, playing both a visual and thematic role. To bring them to life, I used SpeedTree, a specialized software for creating realistic vegetation. It was essential for building the forested environment, where the trees had to look natural and diverse.
Types of Trees and Variations
I modelled around 8 to 10 different tree types, including cypress, oak, and sugar maple, each tailored to suit the environment. To make the forest feel realistic, I created multiple variations of each tree type with differences in:
- Shape: Adjusting the structure of trunks and branches.
- Foliage Density: Some trees were fuller, while others were sparse to create a sense of variety.
- Scale and Height: Tall, imposing oaks mixed with smaller maples added to the natural composition.
This variety helped eliminate uniformity, ensuring the forest didn’t feel repetitive or artificial.
Customizing Trees with SpeedTree’s Tools
SpeedTree’s procedural generation features allowed me to fine-tune the appearance of each tree:
- Branch Curvature: I adjusted how branches twisted and bent to give each tree a unique silhouette.
- Leaf Distribution: I carefully tweaked leaf placement to make some trees lush and others bare, reflecting seasonal changes or environmental conditions.
- Bark Texture: Different types of bark were applied to match the species, such as the rugged texture of oak bark or the smoother surface of maple trunks.
The software also let me randomize certain aspects, like slight variations in angle or branch spacing, to enhance realism.
Lighting and Color Adjustments
A standout feature of SpeedTree was the ability to preview how the trees would look under various lighting setups. This was especially helpful in ensuring the trees would integrate seamlessly into the scenes:
- Colour Variations: I adjusted the tones of the leaves, incorporating subtle gradients of green, yellow, and brown to avoid a flat, monochromatic look.
- Shadow Behavior: Testing shadows cast by branches and leaves allowed me to visualize how the trees would affect the mood of the scene.
Exporting and Integration
Once the trees were finalized, I exported them in a format compatible with Unreal Engine and Maya. Before integration, I optimized the models to keep the polygon count manageable, ensuring smooth performance during rendering. The trees were then placed strategically in the scene, contributing to both the foreground and background compositions, adding depth and richness to the environment.
This careful process ensured that the trees not only looked realistic but also contributed to the emotional tone and atmosphere of the film.
