#70 Peter Haynes: How I Built a STAR WARS Empire with Unreal Engine

We sit down with Peter Haynes, the director and creator of the acclaimed fantasy live‑action webseries AFK and the viral Star Wars parody series For The Empire, hosted on his channel Epically Casual.

We dive deep into Peter’s transition from live‑action filmmaking to digital production using Unreal Engine during the COVID lockdowns — a journey that began with a viral tech test featuring two stormtroopers on their first day of the job, and evolved into three hilarious seasons of For The Empire.

He explains how his live‑action experience shaped his digital filmmaking style, the challenges of the Unreal Engine learning curve, and offers valuable tips for new creators. We also explore his plans for a long‑awaited Season 3 of AFK and his future digital projects, along with insights into how he is raising funds for indie digital and live‑action productions.

Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, an Unreal Engine enthusiast, or an indie filmmaker, this interview offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how Peter Haynes is pushing creative boundaries in both fantasy live‑action and virtual production.

The VFX Process Podcast #70

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Watch For The Empire & AFK: click here