Duration 6h 30m Project Files Included MP4
Title: Houdini.School HS-246 : Houdini For Filmmakers
Info:
Course Overview
Please note: This class is currently being edited into small clips and will replace the raw footage that is currently available for viewing.
Class Description:
Learn how to bring a micro robot character to life in a live-action environment using Houdini 21’s powerful rigging, animation, and rendering tools. This hands-on course guides students through a complete indie VFX pipeline, from prepping mocap-driven rigs and procedural animation to rendering and compositing a final shot using Karma and Nuke. With storytelling at its core, the course emphasizes creative problem-solving and practical VFX workflows for emerging technical artists and filmmakers.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Think like a filmmaker, making creative and technical decisions with story, performance, and pacing in mind
Understand the fundamentals of shot management, including plate prep, scale, color, and scene continuity
Match 3D tracking and photogrammetry to live-action footage for believable integration
Import and retarget mocap data to a custom character rig using Houdini’s KineFX and/or Apex
Create secondary animation and audio-driven motion to enhance character performance
Render with Solaris, Karma, and COPs, using layered materials, accurate lighting, and ACEScg workflows
Composite a 3D character into live-action footage using Houdini and Nuke, balancing technical integration with artistic intent
Manage a small end-to-end pipeline, focusing on storytelling, visual cohesion, and efficient workflows
Session 1
Thinking Like a Filmmaker
Develop a director’s mindset while preparing your shot from concept through capture. In this session, you will learn how to approach VFX with storytelling intent, plan for post on set, and set up your shot for success.
Course Introduction + Instructor Background
Story Concept: The Miniature Robot
Filmmaking Mindset: Director, Editor, Producer
Shot Planning: Story, Mood, and Constraints
On-Set Strategy: Lenses, Motion, HDRi, and Photogrammetry
Capturing for Post: Reference and Material Data
Preparing Plates in Resolve (ACES + EXR)
HDRi Cleanup and Cleanplate Creation
Importing Assets into Houdini
Intro to Solaris and Cinematic Scene Layout
Session 2
Rigging, Animation & Design
In this session, we’ll bring the robot to life. You’ll learn how to retarget mocap data, layer animation for expressive motion, and create a unique look using MaterialX and COPs for artistic detail.
Intro to KineFX Rigging and Mocap Retargeting
Layering Animation for Personality and Story
Adding Secondary Motion and Audio-Reactive Movement
Shader building with MaterialX
Using COPs to Generate the Robot’s Art Collage
Visual Integration: Matching Plate Lighting and Color
Generating slapcomps for 3 shots
Scene Updates and Prep for Final Rendering
Session 3
Rendering & Finishing
In the final session, we’ll bring everything together. Learn how to composite your rendered elements in Nuke, integrate shadows naturally, and apply final color correction in Resolve for a polished cinematic look.
Render Setting in Houdini
Working with Rendered Image Sequences
AOV Compositing in Nuke
Integrating CG with Live-Action Plates
Creating and Blending Shadows
Matching Color and Atmosphere
Final Grading and Output in DaVinci Resolve
Review and Reflection on the Full Workflow
[Watermark (Not super invasive) and embedded mandarin subtitles can’t do anything about that unfortunately but course is in English]
https://rg.to/folder/8989547/Houdini%20School%20HS%20246%20Houdini%20For%20Filmmakers%20L.html
http://alfafile.net/folder/GeNG
https://nitroflare.com/folder/10203/Lz2IwMjYvSG91ZGluaSBTY2hvb2wgSFMgMjQ2IEhvdWRpbmkgRm9yIEZpbG1tYWtlcnMvSG91ZGluaSBTY2hvb2wgSFMgMjQ2IEhvdWRpbmkgRm9yIEZpbG1tYWtlcnMgTA==
