Author: Stephanie Iketuonye Michaels
Year: 2025
Abstract
The film engine is a new class of software designed specifically for real-time filmmaking. Unlike traditional digital content creation tools or game engines, film engines prioritize cinematic workflow, procedural content generation, and real-time performance tailored to narrative production. This paper defines the concept of a film engine, contrasts it with existing tools, and introduces Univah Pro, the first fully implemented film engine.
Introduction
Modern filmmaking increasingly relies on digital tools for content creation, visual effects, and previsualization. While game engines and traditional DCCs (Digital Content Creation tools) such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and Houdini provide powerful capabilities, they were not architected specifically for true real-time live-editing cinematic production. Film engines bridge this gap by combining real-time rendering, live-editing procedural workflows without complex Node graphs, and streamlined industry standard fidelity that align with the creative and technical needs of filmmakers.
Definition
A film engine is a real-time software platform designed to enable the production of cinematic content efficiently and creatively. It integrates procedural animation, GPU-accelerated rendering, and intuitive interfaces to allow filmmakers to iterate quickly and generate high-quality visual narratives without the constraints of tools built primarily for gaming or 3D modeling.
Contrast with Existing Tools
Existing engines and software provide robust capabilities but often prioritize game development or generic 3D modeling:
Unreal Engine: Optimized for game interactivity, requires complex setup for cinematic workflows.
Blender: Versatile 3D tool, but slower real-time performance for high-fidelity scenes.
Maya: Industry-standard for animation and modeling, but lacks integrated real-time rendering pipelines.
Houdini: Procedural powerhouse, yet primarily used for simulations rather than complete cinematic production.
Film engines are designed from the ground up for filmmaking, emphasizing rapid iteration, live feedback, and production-ready output.
Our Contribution: Univah Pro
The Stephanie Michaels Software Company Website
Univah Pro is the first fully realized film engine. It incorporates:
1. Real-time procedural content generation – enabling dynamic scene creation.
2. GPU-accelerated rendering – delivering high frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity.
3. Streamlined cinematic workflow – allowing filmmakers to focus on storytelling rather than technical overhead.
4. Inclusive and extensible architecture – supporting diverse creative needs, including animation, visual effects, and motion graphics.
By implementing these features, Univah Pro establishes the practical and theoretical foundation of the film engine as a new category of software.
Conclusion
The term film engine represents a paradigm shift in digital filmmaking. By prioritizing cinematic workflows, real-time performance, and procedural content, film engines empower creators to iterate and produce high-quality narratives more efficiently. The Stephanie Michaels Software Company first introduced the term in 2021 with the development of Univah Pro, establishing both the concept and its initial implementation.
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