
Houdini FX Fundamentals
Embrace the industry's latest 3D tools and workflows to gain a deeper grasp of how it works
Play Introduction VideoEmbrace the industry's latest 3D tools and workflows to gain a deeper grasp of how it works
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This course will demystify Houdini and show you how to make the most out of it.
In the Houdini Fundamentals course we will be exploring a few core areas of Houdini, and going deeper into each select subject than in the usual basic course, so you can really come to grips with each technique.
We will be exploring the very key area of procedural modeling, which is on the basis of many effects done in Houdini. We’ll look at how to prepare that geometry for effects, use Rigid Body Dynamics to simulate its destruction and layer it up with additional effects to achieve greater complexity in the final shot. We will use particle emission from debris to add additional instanced debris pieces, and layering smoke on top of that debris to create the finest dust. All of these steps will include the use of custom velocity fields and forces to guide our effect to the desired look. You’ll also learn about working with particles and voxel grids and how simulations deal with those elements. At the same time, you will learn how multiple kinds of simulations come together to create complex and beautiful shots.
You’ll have plenty of time during the two-week period to work on your effect with the guidance of a professional Houdini FX Technical Director. This allows you to take the skills learned and apply them to a specific shot of your design. This means also taking into account timing, composition, and managing the resolution of your components in a way that makes sense relative to your camera position.
The mornings will contain lectures followed by a break, after which the rest of your day is spent building up your shot and applying the skills treated in the classes. Your tutor will be present to help you tackle obstacles and answer questions you may have along the way.
The final aim is for you to develop a showreel-worthy shot that demonstrates a good level of skill with the tools used and an understanding of the topics covered. You will build up the confidence to tackle your own Houdini FX shots and have enough understanding of the software to build upon your skillset and continue learning the many other areas that Houdini has to offer.
In each topic, you will learn how to properly use the targeted toolset, as well as how it comes together with other toolsets to make a single shot come together consisting of multiple parts.
IMPORTANT
Prior to the course, you will have an online session with Timothy to discuss your expectations and where you are with your Houdini’s skills in order to set the right focus of the lesson plan to meet your goals.
The course aims at starters in Houdini providing a unique opportunity to accept the challenge of learning not-so-easy-tool faster than struggling home alone. The intensive everyday nature with constant help by a top industry professional and in a small group of participants helps stimulate your muscle memory and overcome the fear of an industry unique but very powerful tool. Still, the more familiar you are with Houdini prior to arriving at ANOMALIA, the more and faster you can advance on-site.
Equally suited for avid learners as well as more experienced artists who wish to hone and/or diversify their skill sets. The course is for CG artists to embrace Houdini as either:
We require
If you’re looking to grow in the VFX industry and want to work towards ending up somewhere like one of those top-tier companies, becoming an expert in Houdini is a stepping stone to get you there. You can consider junior-level opportunities as a 3D artist on completion of the course.
All participants will get well-respected qualification within the industry, demonstrating you’ve studied an industry-based course under expert supervision and have the practical, hands-on skills to continually growing as a professional studios are looking for.
Catch the list of studios at the end of the Houdini Customer Reel.
Even though the advantage of the on-site course to an online format is obvious – direct interaction with the mentor to clarify immediately the concepts that would otherwise take days to grasp so that you build on your own strengths quicker – we do offer limited space to participate online through LIVE-STREAMING directly from the class using Owl video conferencing technology. You can still benefit from interaction with mentors and other students.
Exploit the opportunity to take our practical and intensive courses from the comfort of your home office. There are no pre-recorded videos, you have to dedicate your time just as you would be personally present in the class, interacting with mentors and other participants.
The LIVE-STREAMING format is limited to a maximum of 3 participants. Indicate your interest in the registration form
Fees: 2 200 EUR
The fee covers the fee of the course and VAT.
It doesn’t cover accommodation, meals, and travel.
Approximate living costs during your stay in the Czech Republic:
Czech Labour Office (Úřad práce) offers to cover up to 85% of the course fee within the so-called POVEZ II project (Support of Vocational Training for Employees II). See the details and conditions here.
We would like to assure you that our courses are just for small groups of people and we care about all hygiene recommendations. If the courses have to be canceled for reasons related to COVID-19, your money will be refunded. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that nothing will stop us!
Location & facilities
The courses and labs are held in the facility of Český Krumlov Study center
in a beatiful town Český Krumlov in the southern part of the Czech Republic
(about 170 km from Prague).
Every year Animation Career Review ranks the best animation schools from nearly 200 considered choices across the globe.
ANOMALIA is pleased and proud to share that we have been ranked by Animation Careers and listed in the category of professional programs as: