Houdini 20.0 (2024): 2 new training courses to become an expert
Active for twenty-five years in the visual effects and animation industry, technical artist Vincent Fortin continues his educational initiatives on the SYNTHÈSE EXPERTS platform, offering two training courses on Houdini, his tool of choice.
The man who has worked on visual effects for such major productions as “Pacific Rim”, “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Iron Throne” goes so far as to say that he owes all these contracts to his knowledge of how this software works, a knowledge he has developed through self-taught experience over many years. Le Lien MULTIMÉDIA went to meet him.
Houdini: A turning point for digital creation professionals
“For me, in my career, there really is a ‘before’ and an ‘after’ Houdini,” maintains Vincent Fortin. I’m always repeating that to anyone who will listen, and I think it’s the case for a lot of people too. Ten or fifteen years ago, we did things a certain way in Quebec, with Maya, Softimage… They’re all good software, but Houdini came along with a method, a way of doing things, that was completely different. Back then, as much as today, you had to be open to change.”
Vincent Fortin is offering two EXPERTS courses on the SYNTHÈSE platform of the same name, each dealing with a specialization of Houdini version 20.0, developed by Toronto-based SideFX. The first course focuses on the FLIP method, which enables users to employ advanced techniques to generate realistic, dynamic water and fluid movements. The second focuses on learning the Vellum system, which includes tools for simulating soft bodies such as tissue, hair and skin.
“Both subjects deal with physical simulations that are related to all the 3D animation disciplines in our industry,” comments the trainer. It’s a bit of a cross between art and science, because, yes, we work with physical models, but we still have to create things that are pretty and original. So we have to be both creative and realistic in our treatment.”
A tool in vogue in the video game industry
The digital artist notes that Houdini is playing an increasingly important role in the visual effects and animation industry, to the extent that its use is no longer confined to film and television projects. The video game industry is also making increasing use of this technology, as are the graphic animation and events sectors. Vincent Fortin has therefore sought to make his training courses as accessible as possible, so that any VFX specialist can learn new facets of the software, according to his or her needs.
“I’ve thought of my training courses as beginners’ courses: they’re really an introduction for someone who’s never touched Houdini before. But I still find them quite complete, because they go through all the particularities of the software. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to get the most out of it if you’re motivated enough. On the other hand, those with more experience can also take a look and come away learning something new. Everything is built module by module, in well-organized videos no longer than thirty minutes. It’s easy to add to your knowledge that way.”
Adapting to Houdini’s evolution: a must for experienced users
Finally, Vincent Fortin reminds regular Houdini users that the software is under constant development and that its creator, SideFX, adds new features at a regular rate, up to twice a year. Most recently, the software’s interface itself has changed, to the point of being virtually unrecognizable compared to older versions. The trainer stresses that his training courses are based on this new interface, and encourages those used to the old interface to take an interest in it, to keep up with the times.
“The same features are there, but the methodology is completely different. The old-timers – like me – learned Houdini with this first, more open and complex method. It’s a bit like learning Latin and suddenly having to switch to Italian. Purists – and I know plenty of them! – will say that they have no reason to use the new interface and will reject this reform. But the world is changing, more and more people are going to adopt this simplified method, and SideFX is encouraging it more and more. I think even old-schoolers should take a look at it, see how it works, so they don’t feel the pressure.”
Written by Félix Poncelet-Marsan, journalist
