Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods, apparatus, and computer program code for machine-assisted generation of animated films/movies, in particular for animation based on games engine technology. We describe methods of controlling a plurality of virtual cameras in a 3D virtual reality environment, and also methods of controlling a plurality of animated characters and objects within the 3D virtual reality environment. These enable a director controlling said environment to create a movie of a story set within the environment We also describe methods of providing random time access to a scripted animation with many scripted activities and controlled-random performance activities, techniques for automatically controlling camera framing, and techniques for automatically controlling the gaze direction of animated characters within the movie.