This training course is based on my winning entry for the Cook-Off Contest held by Side FX. Compressing two months of work in a few hours is no easy task since I also tried to cover every aspect of the production. (Technical and the artistic sides are discussed.)
We are going to start with modeling of a few objects with traditional tools that you can find in any package, showing that Houdini has all that's needed to be a very strong modeling solution.
Then we will jump to Procedural Modeling, something Houdini if famous for. Easy, introductory procedural modeling of a raspberry and a blackberry. Following is the lighting pass and after that we are going to setup shaders for a few of the assets. We are going to add some functionality to the standard mantra surface shader and build a user interface for the new options. We are going to end the training course by rendering the final image.
NOTICE TO VIEWERS:
You are expected to have a basic knowledge of the Houdini user interface and workflow in order to easily follow this video.
| Date Released | • | 12/28/2011 |
| Duration | • | 04.45.32 |
| Artist | • | Adrian Lazar |
| PM | • | Chris Maynard |
| Producer | • | cmiVFX |
| Chapters | • | 6 |
Chapter Descriptions
Chapter 1: Introduction
What's my background and what's this training course about.
Chapter 2: Traditional Modeling
We are going to build two simple objects using standard modeling tools showing that Houdini has everything necessary to be a very solid modeler. We are also gonna talk about how to achieve a certain look for the assets.
Chapter 3: Procedural Modeling
This part is of the strongholds of Houdini. Easy, introductory procedural modeling of a raspberry and a blackberry.
Chapter 4: Lighting
We are going to talk about how best to light our scene. Also we are going to discuss a few render parameters.
Chapter 5: Shading & Rendering
Setting up shaders for a few of the assets. We are also going to add some functionality to the standard mantra surface shader and add the new option to the interface. At the same time we are rendering the assets we're working on to make sure they look the best.
Chapter 6: Rendering the final image
We conclude our training by rendering the final image and talk what can be done next in post production.
Adrian Lazar
Adrian is a 3d generalist and compositing artist working in the industry for over 10 years. His strongest points are in modeling, shading and compositing. Softimage MentalRay / Houdini Mantra for 3d and Fusion / Nuke for compositing are his primary tools. He also has a few years of experience working with 3DSMax, Vray and Combustion. Although he considers himself an excellent team player, Adrian also enjoys working autonomous therefore liking several areas of the cg production. When possible he likes to get involved in the artistic side of the projects, from the main concept to look development.
Project Contents
All cmiVFX videos come with all the training materials you can need right from our website. No matter what time of day, your location, or how your feeling, cmiVFX will be there waiting for you!
This video is available today at the cmiVFX Store: http://store.cmivfx.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
To the entire team at SideFX Software, Robert Magee, Bill Self, Martin Crawford, Monika Janek, Chris McSpurren, Aliza Sorotzkin, and way to many more to list. We made this for you guys, we hope you like it!