Houdini!

[Burlesque]

I've just started working with Houdini, wich seems to be the most high-end 3D software, very expensive too. I've got the non-commercial version :)

Anyway, just wanted to here from other people who work in Houdini, how long did it take for you to be able to create some acceptable effects?

For others who don't know what Houdini is, check this 15 year old boys portfolio: http://www.miguelperezsenent.com/
Check out, especially his: Road Destruction, Meteor Impact, Impact System Demo and Tornados. Or just watch his reel! That is what a 15 year old boy can do after working in Houdini for about 1½ !

So anyone want to give me some i how long it's going to take before being able to create acceptable effects? How did it go for you?

[ilauzirika]

For others who don't know what Houdini is, check this 15 year old portfolio: http://www.miguelperezsenent.com/
Check out, especially his: Road Destruction, Meteor Impact, Impact System Demo and Tornados. Or just watch his reel! That is what a 15 year old boy can do after working in Houdini for about 1½ !


This guy has some great effects worth watching the videos

[Anhar Miah]

erm, looking at the video I have to say be carfeul to confuse talent with 3d application cabability,

Most of what I saw could very easly be done in all the other application so its not just limited to Houdini, for example the bullet clip, there is a similar tool for max called "raygun" does exactly the same thing, as well as "blastcode" for Maya.


The fire and explosions can be done with Afterburn (Check out Allan Mckays website), if you really have the money to burn then check out "FumeFX" (no pun intended) fire/water/gas/smoke real physics simulator, its realism is increadable,

Saying that I did like the destruction physics, I'm wondering if he used simulation or just plain ol particles with facny scipting.


To answer your question if you can get to that level, well thats hard to say, its not just mastering the 3d application but also compositing.

Different people learn at different rates, also depends on the level of determination/motivation/resourses available.

The road is long, but not impossible, but you will not know untill you try.

Anhar

[oneinfiniteloop]

While all of what Anhar said is true...Houdini does have a rep for having a well-integrated and well thought out procedural effects/simulation/particle system. SInce they don't make it for Mac, I've never tried, but houses like the Orphanage uses it a lot on various projects.