cmiVFX launches its latest full feature training video on SideFX's Houdini, premiere Visual Effects Animation Package called "Smoke and Dust Simulations". This video covers topics in producing large scale simulations within Houdini using the latest tools and custom techniques in the industry. The learning structure used in this video, gears all users up to be able to follow its contents from start to beginning. This is one of the few videos made that allow a novice or experienced Houdini user the ability to learn on the same level. The degree of quality, of the produced results only vary by a few settings in the software, so we created this entire video with the learning addition of Houdini, called "Apprentice", so that even the Master Magician himself could learn this technique if he were still alive today! We leave no man, woman, or child behind! With cmiVFX nearby, EVERYONE can learn the answers to the most complicated problems in the visual effects universe.
The Pyro material's interface may appear intimidating at first, so we will help reduce it down to its basic components, smoke, fire, and scattering. The first chapter will explain of the preparation of emitters and collisions objects before plugging them to the dynamic world. It will cover key points that needs the attention before starting your simulation.
In this section of the video, we insert a dynamic smoke solver simulation, tweaking the different elements for the desire chimney smoke effect. Adding Custom forces and overview the key aspects of the simulation. This will allow for the artist to start visualizing what our system will look like. Its important to run these systems in a lower resolution to get the basic fluid moment working in the way that is desired from you or your supervisor.
To "Up Res", is a technique used to increase the detail of a low resolution simulation. This is where you take a basic smoke design fluid motion and start adding the detail in order for it to look more like a smoke cloud and less like the hot steamy shower you might have taken this morning. This chapter covers each step from a low-res behavior to an Up-Res Smoke Volume cached to disk.
This section of the video will discuss the technique of Auto Resizing the boundaries of your simulation based on density of it self. This method will optimize any simulation to its quickest simulation time and will set you free with no need of simulation boundaries container. The Smoke will only occupy as much space as needed to help reduce overall calculation of a formerly larger dynamic field.
Up until now, we have been working with a smaller scale, atypical "enhancement scene" in which the hero of the shot would not be the smoke.However in this Blockbuster Film style, large scale hero smoke effect shot, we take what you have learned so far to the next level by increasing everything! Below is a simple breakdown of the steps used in the project. For more information, you will need to watch the video itself!
The shot for this project was taken at our New Mexico Studio Lot location in Albuquerque. This particular plate was acquired during the production of "Book Of Eli" during our LIDAR scanning collection for the movie.
Video-on-demand streaming is available through the website to subscribers. In addition, video files are available for download for those who directly purchase individual titles from their cart.