3D Buzz - Houdini Technical Effects

Houdini Technical Effects is your chance to learn how to create some extremely interesting effects within Houdini through the use of particles. You will use DOPS, SOPS, POPS, VOPS, and expressions to build the complex networks involved in the creation of these effects. These videos do assume a basic working knowledge of Houdini and are not meant for the complete beginner. If you are looking to take your Houdini knowledge to the next step, Houdini Tech Demo is for you. The techniques demonstrated in these videos will have you on your way to creating professional quality effects like those seen in blockbuster movies.

Project 1: Trail

These tutorials will show how to create a trail effect that is emitted from a piece of geometry, leaving a following trail that slowly fades out.

The tutorials cover all steps from beginning to end, showing you how to setup a network of parameters that update dynamically, how to create a shader network, and a dynamic lighting system.

Building upon those lessons, you are also shown how to create multiple trail effects that are either driven by other particles, or animated sets of points that belong to other geometry in the scene, allowing you endless possibilities.

Project 2: Particle Wave

This tutorial shows you how to create a Particle wave asset using SOPS, POPS and Expressions. When completed, you will have an animated tile set that is at your complete control. You will have the ability to control the Height, The tiling Patterns, The Rotation axis of the tiles, The scale, The Resolution of the tile set, and much more.

The end result is a powerful dynamic effect that you have complete control over and a great looking special effect that is only limited by your imagination.

Project 3: Volume Split

This in depth series will show you how to use SOPS, POPS, and VOPS to create volumetric smoke trails that are driven by a parent particle. You will learn how to set up a particle network that will allow the volume to inherit Rotation, Speed and Velocity. The end result is a versatile effect that can be used for everything from rocket engines, to cigarette smoke.

Project 4: Particle Goals

This series of tutorials will show you how to create Goal objects for particles inside Houdini. The video will take you step by step, and show you how to create dynamic goals for particles. So you can blend particles between shapes, all the while maintaining the attributes within your network. With this aspect in mind, you can effectively use this technique to create special effects ranging from swarms of insects to holograms.

Project 5: Fracture
In this series, you will learn how to generate a fraction operation using SOPS, Expressions, and DOPS. You will be shown how to build the network that will generate the fraction pattern. Afterwards it will be used as the base network for an entire set of effects. You will learn to reuse your networks to create a powerful asset that has the ability to create everything from shredding paper, to cracking concrete, to a shattering wall. The final result is a set of assets that came from a single fraction pattern.