firefrost-operations-manual/docs/tasks/blender-cinematic-workflow/DEPLOYMENT-GUIDE.md

Blender Cinematic Workflow — Deployment Guide

Task: Install and configure Blender-based cinematic production workflow
Audience: Michael, Holly, future Firefrost staff
Time Estimate: 45-60 minutes (first-time setup)
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Prerequisites: Windows laptop, Minecraft with Replay Mod (Forge port)

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What This Guide Does

By the end of this guide, you will have:

1. ✅ Blender 4.0+ installed and configured
2. ✅ MCprep addon installed and working
3. ✅ Mineways installed for world exports
4. ✅ PowerShell launcher script on your desktop
5. ✅ Hand-accessible settings enabled
6. ✅ Verification test completed (export → import → render)

Why we're doing this: Moving cinematic editing from Minecraft's Replay Mod (physically taxing, limited quality) to Blender (hand-friendly, professional ray-traced lighting).

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Part 1: Install Blender

Step 1.1: Download Blender

1. Open your web browser
2. Go to: https://www.blender.org/download/
3. Click the big blue "Download Blender" button
4. The website will automatically detect you're on Windows
5. Wait for the download to complete (file will be named something like blender-4.0.2-windows-x64.msi)

File size: Approximately 300 MB
Download time: 2-5 minutes depending on internet speed

Step 1.2: Install Blender

1. Find the downloaded file:

   • Open your Downloads folder
   • Look for the file starting with blender-4.0

2. Run the installer:

   • Double-click the .msi file
   • Windows might show a security warning — click "Run" or "Yes"

3. Installation wizard:

   • Click "Next" on the welcome screen
   • License agreement: Click "I accept", then "Next"
   • Installation location: Leave as default (C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.0\) — click "Next"
   • Click "Install"
   • Wait 2-3 minutes for installation
   • Click "Finish"

4. First launch:

   • Blender should open automatically
   • You'll see a "Blender Quick Setup" window
   • Important settings for hand accessibility:
     • Under "Shortcuts," select "Blender" (default is fine)
     • Under "Theme," pick whatever you like (doesn't affect workflow)
     • Click "Next"
   • Click "Save New Settings"

5. Verify Blender is working:

   • You should see a gray window with a cube in the center
   • In the top-left corner, you should see: Blender 4.0.x (or higher)
   • Close Blender for now (File → Quit, or just click the X)

✅ Checkpoint: Blender is installed and launches successfully.

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Part 2: Install MCprep Addon

MCprep is a plugin that automates Minecraft material setup in Blender. It fixes transparency on leaves/glass and adds glow to torches automatically.

Step 2.1: Download MCprep

1. Open your web browser
2. Go to: https://theduckcow.com/dev/blender/mcprep/
3. Click the green "Download MCprep" button
4. The file will be named something like MCprep_addon_3_5_3.zip
5. DO NOT UNZIP THIS FILE — Blender needs the .zip as-is

File size: Approximately 15 MB
Download time: 10-30 seconds

Step 2.2: Install MCprep in Blender

1. Open Blender (double-click the icon on your desktop or in Start menu)

2. Open Preferences:

   • At the top of the screen, click Edit → Preferences
   • A new window will open

3. Go to Add-ons section:

   • On the left side of the Preferences window, click "Add-ons"

4. Install the addon:

   • At the top-right of this window, click the "Install..." button
   • A file browser will open
   • Navigate to your Downloads folder
   • Find the file MCprep_addon_3_5_3.zip (or similar name)
   • Click on it once to select it
   • Click "Install Add-on" button in bottom-right

5. Enable the addon:

   • The Preferences window will now show a search box
   • Type: mcprep
   • You should see "Import-Export: MCprep" appear
   • Click the checkbox next to it to enable it
   • You should see the checkbox turn blue/checked

6. Verify installation:

   • Look at the right side of the screen (the tall panel)
   • Press the N key on your keyboard (this toggles the side panel)
   • You should see a tab labeled "MCprep" appear at the top
   • Click on that MCprep tab
   • You should see buttons like "Prep Materials" and "Spawn Mob"

7. Save settings:

   • At the bottom-left of the Preferences window, click the ≡ menu icon (three lines)
   • Click "Save Preferences"
   • Close the Preferences window

✅ Checkpoint: MCprep addon is installed and visible in the N-Panel.

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Part 3: Install Mineways

Mineways exports Minecraft world chunks as 3D files that Blender can import.

Step 3.1: Download Mineways

1. Open your web browser
2. Go to: https://www.realtimerendering.com/erich/minecraft/public/mineways/
3. Scroll down to the "Download" section
4. Click the link: "Mineways version [latest] installer"
5. File will be named something like mineways_9.12_installer.exe

File size: Approximately 30 MB
Download time: 30-60 seconds

Step 3.2: Install Mineways

1. Find the downloaded file:

   • Open your Downloads folder
   • Look for mineways_9.12_installer.exe (or similar)

2. Run the installer:

   • Double-click the .exe file
   • Windows might show a security warning — click "Run" or "Yes"

3. Installation wizard:

   • Welcome screen: Click "Next"
   • License agreement: Click "I Agree"
   • Installation location: Leave as default — click "Next"
   • Start menu folder: Leave as default — click "Install"
   • Wait 15-30 seconds
   • IMPORTANT: Uncheck "View README.txt" before clicking "Finish"
   • Click "Finish"

4. First launch test:

   • Press Windows key on your keyboard
   • Type: mineways
   • Click "Mineways" when it appears
   • A window should open showing a file browser
   • You can close Mineways for now — we're just verifying it works

✅ Checkpoint: Mineways is installed and launches successfully.

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Part 4: Enable Hand-Accessible Settings in Blender

These settings reduce the need for precise clicking and dragging.

Step 4.1: Enable Emulate Numpad

Why: Most laptops don't have a number pad on the right side. This setting lets you use the regular number keys (1-9, 0) for camera views.

1. Open Blender
2. Go to Edit → Preferences
3. On the left side, click "Input"
4. Look for the section labeled "Keyboard"
5. Find the checkbox: "Emulate Numpad"
6. Check the box if it's not already checked
7. At the bottom-left, click ≡ → "Save Preferences"
8. Close Preferences window

Step 4.2: Enable Camera to View (Per-Project Setting)

Why: This makes the camera follow your view as you navigate, so "filming" feels like playing Minecraft.

Note: This needs to be enabled each time you start a new Blender project. We'll include it in the production workflow.

1. In Blender, press N to open the side panel (if not already open)
2. Click the "View" tab at the top of the side panel
3. Scroll down to find "View Lock" section
4. Find the checkbox: "Camera to View"
5. Check the box
6. Now when you rotate your view (middle-mouse drag), the camera moves with you

✅ Checkpoint: Hand-accessible settings are configured.

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Part 5: Create the PowerShell Launcher Script

This script opens all three tools (Replay folder, Mineways, Blender) with one click.

Step 5.1: Create the Script File

1. Open Notepad:

   • Press Windows key
   • Type: notepad
   • Press Enter

2. Copy the script below:

# --- Firefrost Gaming Cinematic Suite Launcher ---
# Created: March 30, 2026
# Purpose: One-click launch of replay folder + Mineways + Blender

Write-Host "🔥❄️ Firefrost Gaming Cinematic Suite" -ForegroundColor Cyan
Write-Host "Initializing tools..." -ForegroundColor Yellow
Write-Host ""

# Auto-detect current user (no hardcoded paths)
$username = $env:USERNAME

# 1. Open the Replay Mod folder
$replayPath = "C:\Users\$username\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\replay_recordings"
Write-Host "Opening Replay Mod folder..." -ForegroundColor Green
if (Test-Path $replayPath) {
    Invoke-Item $replayPath
    Write-Host "  ✓ Replay folder opened" -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
    Write-Host "  ✗ Replay folder not found at: $replayPath" -ForegroundColor Red
    Write-Host "    Check your Minecraft installation path" -ForegroundColor Yellow
}
Write-Host ""

# 2. Launch Mineways
$minewaysPath = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mineways\mineways.exe"
Write-Host "Launching Mineways..." -ForegroundColor Green
if (Test-Path $minewaysPath) {
    Start-Process $minewaysPath
    Write-Host "  ✓ Mineways launched" -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
    Write-Host "  ✗ Mineways not found at: $minewaysPath" -ForegroundColor Red
    Write-Host "    Check installation location" -ForegroundColor Yellow
}
Write-Host ""

# 3. Launch Blender
$blenderPath = "C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.0\blender.exe"
Write-Host "Launching Blender..." -ForegroundColor Green
if (Test-Path $blenderPath) {
    Start-Process $blenderPath
    Write-Host "  ✓ Blender launched" -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
    # Try Blender 4.1 or 4.2 paths
    $blenderPath = "C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.1\blender.exe"
    if (Test-Path $blenderPath) {
        Start-Process $blenderPath
        Write-Host "  ✓ Blender launched (version 4.1)" -ForegroundColor Green
    } else {
        Write-Host "  ✗ Blender not found" -ForegroundColor Red
        Write-Host "    Check Blender installation" -ForegroundColor Yellow
    }
}
Write-Host ""

Write-Host "🎬 Cinematic Suite ready!" -ForegroundColor Cyan
Write-Host "Fire + Frost + Foundation = Where Love Builds Legacy" -ForegroundColor Magenta
Write-Host ""
Pause

3. Save the script:

   • Click File → Save As
   • Save in: Desktop (select from the left sidebar)
   • File name: Type exactly: EditMode.ps1
   • Save as type: Change from "Text Documents" to "All Files (.)"
   • Click "Save"

4. Close Notepad

Step 5.2: Enable PowerShell Scripts (First Time Only)

Windows blocks scripts by default for security. We need to allow this one.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

   • Press Windows key
   • Type: powershell
   • Right-click on "Windows PowerShell"
   • Click "Run as administrator"
   • Click "Yes" when Windows asks for permission

2. Enable scripts:

   • A blue window will open
   • Type this command exactly:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
   

   • Press Enter
   • Type: Y
   • Press Enter again

3. Close PowerShell:

   • Type: exit
   • Press Enter

Step 5.3: Test the Launcher

1. Find the script on your desktop:

   • Look for EditMode.ps1

2. Run the script:

   • Right-click on EditMode.ps1
   • Click "Run with PowerShell"

3. What should happen:

   • A blue PowerShell window opens
   • You see colorful text showing what's launching
   • Your Replay Mod folder opens in File Explorer
   • Mineways launches
   • Blender launches
   • PowerShell window says "Press Enter to continue..."
   • Press Enter to close the PowerShell window

4. If something doesn't launch:

   • The script will show a red ✗ and tell you what's wrong
   • Most common issue: Replay folder path (Forge vs Fabric use different folder names)
   • You can edit the script in Notepad to fix paths if needed

✅ Checkpoint: Launcher script works and opens all three tools.

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Part 6: Verification Test (Export → Import → Render)

Let's test the entire workflow with a simple world export.

Step 6.1: Get a World to Export

Option A: Use an existing single-player world
Option B: Download a server backup from Pterodactyl panel

For this test, we'll use a single-player world:

1. Locate your world saves:

   • Press Windows key + R
   • Type: %appdata%\.minecraft\saves
   • Press Enter
   • A folder opens showing all your single-player worlds

2. Pick a small world (faster export for testing)

   • Any world will work
   • Note the folder name — you'll need this in Mineways

Step 6.2: Export with Mineways

1. Launch Mineways (or use the EditMode.ps1 script)

2. Open your world:

   • Click "File" → "Open World..."
   • Navigate to: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\saves
   • Click on the world folder you want to export
   • Click "Select Folder"

3. You should see:

   • A 2D map of your world appears in the window
   • You can zoom in/out with mouse wheel

4. Select an area to export:

   • Left-click and drag to draw a rectangle around the area you want
   • Tip: Start with a small area (like a single building) for your first test
   • The selected area will be highlighted

5. Export settings:

   • Click "File" → "Export for Rendering..."
   • A settings window opens

6. Configure export:

   • Export location: Click "Choose..." and pick your Desktop (easy to find)
   • File name: Type: test-export
   • Export type: Leave as "Wavefront OBJ file"
   • Material options:
     • Check: "Export full materials"
     • Check: "Export blocks with textures"
   • Ignore these settings for now — MCprep will fix materials later
   • Click "Export"

7. Wait for export:

   • Progress bar appears
   • Small exports: 10-30 seconds
   • Large exports: 1-5 minutes

8. Verify export:

   • Go to your Desktop
   • You should see a folder named test-export
   • Inside that folder: test-export.obj and a bunch of .png texture files

✅ Checkpoint: World exported successfully from Mineways.

Step 6.3: Import into Blender

1. Launch Blender (or use EditMode.ps1)

2. Delete the default cube:

   • Click on the cube in the center (it turns orange when selected)
   • Press Delete key on your keyboard
   • A menu appears — click "Delete"

3. Import the .obj file:

   • Click "File" → "Import" → "Wavefront (.obj)"
   • Navigate to your Desktop → test-export folder
   • Click on test-export.obj
   • Click "Import OBJ" button in top-right

4. Wait for import:

   • This can take 15 seconds to 2 minutes depending on size
   • You'll see blocks appear in the 3D view

5. Navigate around:

   • Hold middle mouse button and drag to rotate view
   • Scroll mouse wheel to zoom in/out
   • Shift + middle mouse button to pan left/right/up/down
   • Press Home key to fit everything in view

✅ Checkpoint: Minecraft world imported into Blender.

Step 6.4: Apply MCprep Materials

1. Select the imported world:

   • Press A key to "Select All"
   • All blocks should turn orange/highlighted

2. Open MCprep panel:

   • Press N key (if side panel isn't already open)
   • Click the "MCprep" tab at the top

3. Prep materials:

   • Click the big "Prep Materials" button
   • Wait 5-30 seconds
   • You should see a message in the bottom-left: "Materials prepped"

4. What changed:

   • Glass blocks are now transparent (instead of solid white)
   • Leaves are now see-through
   • Torches/lanterns now glow
   • Water has transparency

✅ Checkpoint: MCprep materials applied successfully.

Step 6.5: Test Render

Let's render one frame to verify everything works.

1. Switch to rendered view:

   • At the top-right of the 3D view, you'll see four small circles
   • Click the rightmost circle (it's white/shiny)
   • The view changes to show realistic lighting

2. If the view is too dark:

   • This is normal — Minecraft worlds need a sun
   • We'll cover lighting in the production workflow guide
   • For now, just verify you can see blocks and textures

3. Take a test render:

   • Press F12 on your keyboard
   • Blender will render the current camera view
   • A new window opens showing the rendered image
   • This might take 10-60 seconds for first render

4. Save the render (optional):

   • In the render window, click "Image" → "Save As..."
   • Save to Desktop as test-render.png
   • Click "Save As Image"

5. Close the render window:

   • Click the X to close it

✅ Checkpoint: Test render completed successfully.

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Part 7: Troubleshooting

Problem: PowerShell script shows "Replay folder not found"

Solution:

• The Forge port of Replay Mod uses a different folder name
• Edit the script:
  • Right-click EditMode.ps1 → "Edit"
  • Find the line: $replayPath = "C:\Users\$username\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\replay_recordings"
  • Change replay_recordings to replays (or whatever folder your Replay Mod uses)
  • Save and close Notepad
  • Try running the script again

Problem: Blender won't launch from script

Solution:

• Verify Blender installed correctly:
  • Press Windows key, type blender, press Enter
  • If Blender opens, note the version number
• Edit the script:
  • Right-click EditMode.ps1 → "Edit"
  • Find the line: $blenderPath = "C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender 4.0\blender.exe"
  • Change 4.0 to match your version (e.g., 4.1 or 4.2)
  • Save and try again

Problem: Mineways export is blank/empty

Solution:

• Make sure you selected an area by clicking and dragging a rectangle
• The selected area is highlighted in a different color
• If you don't see any selection, try drawing a rectangle again
• Make sure you're viewing the correct world (check title bar of Mineways)

Problem: Blender import takes forever or freezes

Solution:

• Large world exports can be slow
• Try exporting a smaller area first
• Close and restart Blender, try importing again
• If still freezing, export an even smaller area (like 50x50 blocks)

Problem: MCprep "Prep Materials" button does nothing

Solution:

• Make sure the imported world is selected (press A to select all)
• Objects should be highlighted in orange
• Try clicking "Prep Materials" again
• Check bottom-left of Blender for success message

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Next Steps

✅ You now have:

• Blender installed and configured
• MCprep addon working
• Mineways exporting worlds
• Launcher script on desktop
• Verified the complete workflow

What to do next:

1. Learn the shortcuts: See blender-cheat-sheet.md in this directory
2. Production workflow: See docs/marketing/cinematic-production-workflow.md when ready to make real cinematics
3. Planning context: See docs/planning/blender-cinematic-workflow.md for strategy and rationale

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Support & Questions

For Michael and Holly:

• If something doesn't work, note the exact error message
• Take a screenshot of the problem
• Ask in Discord or next session with Claude

For future Firefrost staff:

• This guide is tested on Windows 10/11
• Blender version: 4.0+ (tested with 4.0.2)
• MCprep version: 3.5.3
• Mineways version: 9.12

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💙🔥❄️🌟

Fire + Frost + Foundation = Where Love Builds Legacy

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Created: March 30, 2026
Created By: Chronicler #48
Tested By: Not yet tested (awaiting Michael/Holly installation)
Status: Ready for deployment