HOUDINI: Environment and Asset Building

Now that you’ve broken through the learning curve on Houdini, it’s time to get creative! In this 5-week course, you’ll learn how to combine proceduralism and artistry to generate assets and build worlds. You’ll go deeper into how to use USD and integrate with Unreal Engine and Virtual Production workflows. This is where Houdini’s power truly comes to life- and empowers you to get the hottest jobs in the industry.

After this course, you’ll be…

comfortable with Houdini fundamentals and procedural workflows
able to model and build worlds procedurally
able to simulate basic FX like cloth, particles, and fluids
familiar with motion processing, mocap and procedural retargeting
proficient in USD and Unreal Engine integration

What you’ll learn:

Environment building
More in-depth Surface Operators (SOPs)
Lighting Operators (LOPs) and Solaris
Unreal Engine Integration
Touch on some more advanced topics such as KineFX for animation and motion, and Vellum for particles and sim
Plus, you’ll finish a project, a stunning portfolio piece for your reel!

This course is taught live and hands-on by Rob Au, who has over 15 years of experience as a VFX CG Supervisor, Artist, and Educator specializing in Houdini. He has worked at prestigious studios on film, commercials, and games, including Method Studios, Pixomondo, Electronic Arts, Rhythm & Hues, and more. Rob has also taught at the John Hughes Institute, been nominated for a VES Award, and is an Unreal Fellow and Sundance Alumnus.

Start Date: TBD
Duration: 5 weeks (40+ hours)
Class Times: Sundays 9am-2pm PT
Lab Times: Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm PT
Q&A/Support: 24/7 Facebook Group
Prerequisites: Computer to run Houdini. Apprentice subscription is fine. Houdini: Fundamentals or equivalent experience required.