⏳ One Frame, Lots of Steps, and an Endless Render Time

Hey guys 🚀

I wanted to share a bit of the process behind creating just one single frame from Episode 1 of Primal Cargo, and also let you know that I’ve paused billing for August on Patreon to help compensate for the delay caused by rendering time—since finishing all the content takes time, and I want to make sure everything looks good.

🔧 THE PROCESS:

1) Viewport Layout & Blocking
It all starts in the 3D viewport. I set up the shots and take screenshots, then line them up with the voice-over to make sure everything flows. Every shot is intentional—what I want you to see, feel, or focus on. I usually begin with a basic blocking pose for each character.

2) Refining Animation & Camera Work
Once multiple shots are blocked, I refine the characters’ final poses and facial expressions, adjust camera settings like depth of field, and perform test renders with lighting to preview the final result.

3) Batch Rendering
When I’m working my full-time job, I use that time to render all these frames. I queue them and slowly build up a collection of finished stills for the episode.

4) Image Compositing
Next, I apply quick compositing to each frame—adjusting brightness, contrast, colors, glow, and more. Sometimes I grab a tablet to manually fix small issues, paint over elements, or smooth things out for better visual polish.

5) Post-Production
Now I replace the original viewport screenshot placeholders with final renders. This is where the post-production magic begins: color grading, transitions, particle effects, parallax, 2D animation, subtitles, and more.

6) Frame by Frame Completion
Each frame goes through this same process. Multiply this by dozens of frames per episode and... well, you can see how it adds up!

7) Early Audio & Timing Tests
Even before the final renders, I add sound, music, and temp effects to the draft "playblast" version. This helps me feel the pacing, timing, and overall story. Sometimes the result isn’t what I envisioned, and I have to change the shot or animation until it works.

8) Story & Dialogue Adjustments
For Episode 1, I even had to change or extend dialogue after previewing the full sequence. Everything—animation, voice, editing—has to feel cohesive. Sometimes it’s a balancing act, and I need to pivot quickly to keep the production smooth.



I know many of you are excited to finally watch Episode 1—and believe me, I’m just as anxious (maybe more!) to share it with you. I've poured so much effort and creativity into it. But like many artists, I can’t help but wonder... is it good enough? 😅

I guess we’ll find out together soon. I really hope you will enjoy watching it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it ✨