Beginners to Experts

Last week's training covered everything from "how to make a movie with special effects" (for Loyola Marymount students) and a "very gentle intro to Python in Houdini" with Igor Boshoer, to "Motion FX & CHOPs" with Gonzo Cababaca and "Python Tricks" with Houdini guru Luke Moore.

Is that snake charming?

Side Effects Welcomes Siegfried Ostertag

Ziggy Ostertag has joined the Side Effects team as Houdini Trainer, and is shown here on his first day at work, right in the thick of it.

Ziggy began his VFX career in Germany at Computer Projects Unlimited, and at C.O.R.E. & Effectory as both trainer and VFX TD. He has worked at Rhythm & Hues, Imageworks, and Digital Domain in LA.

Come learn from the master!

Houdini Training at Graffiti School, Mumbai

Andrew Lowell at Mumbai workshop with VFX trainers from Big Animation, Frameboxx, Foskia Graffiti and others.

Look for great Houdini effects coming out of Bollywood soon!

thanks VHUG!

John Courte and I just got back from beautiful Vancouver. What a way to catch up, the post Olympics sentiments and Canadian pride were still going strong.

While there, we had the pleasure of joining up with the VHUG (Vancouver Houdini User Group) for their first community presentation, kicked off and led by Leo Chan of Electronic Arts Canada.

From VHUG Kickoff Presentation for 2010

Left to right (Leo Chan, unknown, Craig Zerounie, John Courte, Sean Lewkiw, Robert Kelly, Leyla Tirgari, Greg Massie, Paul Flanagan, Kashayar Khalkhaly)

VHUG Kickoff Presentation for 2010

John Courte (Senior Houdini Artist) and myself will be in Vancouver on March 3rd for the first presentation from the Vancouver Houdini User Group (VHUG).

Come join us at CIS Vancouver starting at 7pm to hear from Leo Chan from EA!

View Larger Map



We'll be buying the first round of drinks over a few blocks at the Whip Restaurant and Bar afterward to chat, meet, and mingle with the local userbase.

Don't forget to RSVP for the event on the official Facebook page!

Houdini Essentials with Andrew Lowell

Andrew Lowell, straight from Massive/Houdini TD on Invictus, is at Side Effects, Santa Monica to teach Houdini Essentials Over 2 Days this Thu Mar 4 & Fri Mar 5, 10 - 5pm.