moondeer

cmiVFX Releases New Houdini Destructive Cracking Techniques
High Definition Training Videos for the Visual Effects Industry

Princeton, NJ (May 1st, 2013) cmiVFX has released their newest lesson Creating Cracks Digital-Asset in Houdini. Voronoi fracture is powerful but also has some limitations. How we can have full control over the shape of the pieces? How we can make animation for crack propagation? How we can break only certain parts of an object while other areas remain intact? In this lesson Mehdi Salehi reveals a new VFX technique in Houdini. In this lesson we will create a new digital asset to answer these questions. This new tool can use patterns for creating cracks. You will learn that almost anything can be used as the pattern. For example, You can use lines, L-system or image files as the pattern. You will learn our new digital asset has even more power. It can be used to create precise tear patterns for cloth simulation even for low poly objects. This lesson offers new exclusive effect technique which is recommended to all Houdini users.

VIMEO TEASER HERE:
https://vimeo.com/65339465

Short Description
The aim is to create a tool to use a predefined crack pattern such as image files, wires or L-systems for cracking an object. No previous knowledge or experience is required to easily follow along. Mehdi Salehi tackles several examples to cover Rigid body and cloth simulations using this new tool.

NOTICE TO VIEWERS:
(No previous Houdini knowledge is required to follow this lesson. Crack Digital asset is included.)

|||||||||||||||||||||| New Houdini Destructive Cracking Techniques ||||||||||||||||||||||
---> http://cmivfx.com/tu...king Techniques

Chapter Descriptions

Introduction
A quick view on all chapters. It Shows where we start and where we go; A map for our great adventure!!!

Basic Knowledge
This chapter gives important clues about images and Houdini. It shows you how Houdini can give life to still images. It is our starting position.

Creating The Asset
In this chapter we evoke the power of COPs (channel operators)! This chapter shows you the main idea for creating the crack digital asset. It teaches you how to use the crack pattern for creating precise cracks on an object. Anything such as L-systems or curves can be used as a crack pattern. The power is that precise cuts are possible even for low poly objects.

Crack Asset And Rigid Body Objects
This chapter talks about simulating the pieces created by the crack asset. It shows the problems of using fracture rigid body dynamic and how we can deal with them. Also, you can see how cracks can be animated to create a crack propagation effect. There are two examples here. In the first example, the chapter discusses about how to use the crack asset for breaking a car window. You will learn how to create crack propagation and also how to simulate the pieces. In the second example the chapter talks about using the crack asset to break a bottle. The cool thing is that only specific area of the objects affected by crack asset and the other areas remain intact. A powerful feature for rendering broken glass!!!

Crack Asset And Cloth Objects
The other possible use of the crack asset. A journey to cloth simulation! This chapter shows you how this new crack asset can be used for cloth simulation. Now it is possible to create precise tear patterns and then simulate them. You can even animate tearing of a cloth object. The cool thing is that the cloth object can be a fairly low poly object. Also this chapter shows you some important notes and tricks about simulating cloth objects.

About the Instructor
My name is Mehdi Salehi. I started my journey to the mysterious world of 3D and VFX about 10 years ago and have worked as CG artist and VFX supervisor for many companies. Now, it is my honor to be a member of the cmiVFX family. My hobbies are music and football, of course playing, not hearing or watching! My Email is msalehi.164@gmail.com. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

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/

About cmiVFX
cmiVFX is the leader in High Definition Video Training for the Visual Effects Community. Register for FREE and receive hours of FREE content at the cmiVFX Video-on-Demand Player. ( http://store.cmivfx.com/login ) For additional information about cmiVFX, visit http://www.cmivfx.com or email eric@cmivfx.com © 2012 cmiVFX | cmiStudios. All rights reserved.

i cannot figure out how to control this deformation. i imagine it is a simple bias setting, but i've had no luck.

the mesh in the bicep is not following the motion fully.

hip attached.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

 Houdini FXSCREENIE001.jpg   81.27K   17 downloads
 Houdini FXSCREENIE002.jpg   171.63K   18 downloads
 Houdini FXSCREENIE003.jpg   193.15K   13 downloads

this is a perfect fit for houdini DOPS.

http://www.cs.ubc.ca...iveContact.html

the nut and bolt at the end of the video just screams houdini.

i have to wonder though how well this method would work with POPS.

tessellation independent surface detection for simulation feels very procedural in my estimation.

cmiVFX - Linux for VFX and CG - Luke Olson



cmiVFX Releases New -
Linux Usage For Visual Effects and Computer Graphics (Production Environment)
High Definition Training Videos for the Visual Effects Industry

Princeton, NJ (June 7th, 2012)‚ cmiVFX has released the first video of their brand new Linux In CG Series. Learn to set up a Linux workstation for use with professional graphics applications in a production environment. This course is aimed at the absolute Linux beginner. Cinematic visual effects and computer graphics push the limits of performance on any operating system. Film production studios need and demand workstation stability. The combination of highest performance with rock-solid reliability means the use of Linux. Luke Olson will walk you through, step by step the installation, configuration and use of Ubuntu 12.04 LTS AND Fedora. He starts you out from an empty hard drive and finishes up with a fully configured graphics centric workstation. Furthermore the viewer will have a solid foundation on which to function in a Linux based effects studio. You have learned and worked you entire career creating masterpieces, but always within Windows or MacOS. Now you've been hired to your dream position, but they only use Linux workstations. With this courseware you will be useful and productive in a Linux environment in no time. Luke Olson makes this powerful operating system a breeze to setup and use.

• Buy this lesson if you were ever curious about Linux.
• Buy this lesson if you've been hired to work in a Linux studio.
• Buy this lesson if you are ready to be serious about graphics.

Short Description
This Linux primer is aimed at the beginner with an emphasis towards heavy demands computational efficiency and stability. Topics covered include the installation, configuration and use of Ubuntu 12.04 LTS and Fedora Linux distributions. Application installations include but are not limited to: Houdini, Nuke, RealFlow, Blender and Wings3D.

***** VIDEO PREVIEW *****
https://vimeo.com/43617206

NOTICE TO VIEWERS:
(Aren't penguins cute!)

Here at cmiVFX we maintain a current training library for the latest versions of popular software titles. When it comes to high end CG and VFX training, there is only once choice... cmiVFX!  Don't forget about the cmiSubscription plan! Get one today. cmiVFX launched the most affordable subscription plan in Visual FX Training History for only $499 USD, and if you were a subscriber, this New Training Release would already be in your account.  This video is also available a-la-cart in our brand new HTML5 player system.

||||||||||||||||||||||  LINUX FOR VFX AND CG - PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT  ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://www.cmivfx.co...on Environments

Chapter Descriptions

1. Introduction
Linux has a rich history of development and deployment ranging from cell phones to supercomputers. It has worked it's way into high end computer graphics pipelines and is here to stay.

2. Installing
Getting Linux installed can be one of the most daunting tasks for new users. Modern installers have made this process much easier to tackle which are leveraged by the distributions shown. Ubuntu and Fedora are covered with step by step installation instructions.

3. The Desktop
Multiple high quality and production ready desktop environments are available for Linux. Get an overview of the most popular desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, XFCE) to make choosing one an easy decision. Tweaks and fixes for common stumbling blocks when using 3D applications are covered so users can hit the ground running.

4. The Shell
The shell gives organized and streamlined power directly to the user in a way sure to bring a smile to any power user's face. There are no prerequisites and no programming skills needed to learn by going one step at a time. For the tough commands learn how to find help quickly or lookup previously used commands for reference.



5. Managing Software
Tens of thousands of production proven software packages fulfilling all sorts of needs are available for free (plus they can update themselves to include the latest patches and fixes). With graphical tools or simple commands users can expand the capabilities of a workstation drastically in a few minutes.

6. Visual Effects Software
Many visual effects software packages are available as native Linux applications and provide the same capabilities or greater than their Windows and OS X siblings. Step by step instructions are provided for installing Nuke, Houdini, RealFlow, Blender, The GIMP, AMD graphics drivers, and Nvidia graphics drivers.



7. Managing Resources
Keeping things running smoothly is a breeze with the right tools. Monitor and control every available resource including memory and swap, processor cores, network traffic, and disk usage. Prepare for a worst case scenario with bit for bit backups that can be scheduled to run automatically.



8. Working With Others
Linux workstations can work hand in hand with existing infrastructure and workstations by using industry standard protocols to interact. For users that really dig the "Linux way" there are tools that enable the application of that knowledge and workflow to other platforms, even Windows.



9. Closing
Get an honest opinion of Linux from the author of the series, some tips about how to get involved with the Linux community at large, and resources to continue to expand knowledge of the subject.

About Luke Olson
IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3793987/

Special Note From cmiVFX Management

We are well aware of the hardships that go into becoming a world famous artist.  There are many challenges in order to claim your place in the industry, and we realize many talented people get passed over in place of less talented people because of minor technical issues.  Don't be a statistic!  If you want to work in a large facility, and its your dream to have your name on the silver screen, then let us help you adapt to the environment.  Culture shock forces many young artists to give up too soon. Hear at cmiVFX, we want to make that transition as transparent as possible.

  

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/

About cmiVFX
cmiVFX is the leader in High Definition Video Training for the Visual Effects Community. Register for FREE and receive hours of FREE content at the cmiVFX Video-on-Demand Player. ( http://store.cmivfx.com/login ) For additional information about cmiVFX, visit http://www.cmivfx.com © 2012 cmiVFX | cmiStudios. All rights reserved.

cmiVFX Releases Brand New
Houdini Debris Systems Training Video
High Definition Training Videos for the Visual Effects Industry

Princeton, NJ (May 29, 2012)‚ cmiVFX has released Houdini Debris System.
One key to a believable destruction effect is the complexity of the bits and pieces. Modern films push the limits of technology every summer with flying debris. Modeling, placing, and keyframing such a mess is simply not possible. Okay then mathematics leveraged to create the chaos of a falling building is great in theory, but how does one control that chaos short of a phd? Suppose one does get a reasonable debris sequence out, but the director wants a bit more motion blur and "Oh, how about a more rocks and have them shoot over to the right... just a tad". Alvaro Segura with cmiVFX is here to answer all those situations and more with this amazing, brain melting courseware. Whether you are already in the celluloid trenches or you aspire to be, THIS LESSON IS A MUST.

Short Description
Cracking and crushing a model is only a part of a cinematic destruction sequence. Visual effects professionals in the trenches know that a solid DEBRIS SYSTEM is also a necessary piece of the puzzle. Alvaro Segura here now reveals one way to create debris that is re-usable, direct-able, and production ready.

VIDEO TEASER

NOTICE TO VIEWERS:
(Knowledge of Houdini basics is suggested before attempting this mind melting lesson.)

Here at cmiVFX we maintain a current training library for the latest versions of popular software titles. When it comes to high end CG and VFX training, there is only once choice... cmiVFX! Don't forget about the cmiSubscription plan! Get one today. cmiVFX launched the most affordable subscription plan in Visual FX Training History for only $499 USD, and if you were a subscriber, this New Training Release would already be in your account. This video is also available a-la-cart in our brand new HTML5 player system.

|||||||||||||||||||||| HOUDINI DEBRIS SYSTEMS ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://www.cmivfx.co... Debris Systems

Chapter Descriptions

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - Creating The Debris Library
We start by creating a procedural library of debris geometry based on Voronoi fracturing and using color attributes to shape the geometry. This library is re-usable and fully able to handle all manner of 'debris'. This lesson uses rocks, but the library could just as easily be stocked full of window frames, glass shards, and skyscraper furniture. We will then come up to a useful trick to export our set of debris geometry and use it later for our debris generator setup.


Chapter 3 - Basis For Debris System
Here we setup the basis for the debris system. At its most basic proof of concept degree, this is merely a way to identify and visualize the attributes needed in the much more complex system to come.

Chapter 4 - Marry Dots and Rocks
Lets begin to bring in the items from our library. Keystone in this chapter are a wicked long expression and a very clever way to limit velocity. Our level of control increases quite alot with some very simple use of groups.

Chapter 5 - Adding Rotation
This chapter is all about adding spin to our particles which in turn will make the motion of the debris more believable. The way it is done though will be new to all but the most advanced users. The rotation is driven by a rotation pop, forces and expressions. Refining the realism and illusion of chaos by adding rotation behaviors based on collisions, altering the rotation speeds and direction after hitting on collisions.

Chapter 6 - Painting Destruction
This chapter begins with a quick revision to the debris system by refining the particles a bit (part A). Lets now visit TurboSquid.com for a nice choice of free models to destroy. After some cleanup it is time to paint the blood of impending doom where the fissures will be seeded (part .

Chapter 7 - A Bad Place To Park
Okay, lets blow this joint. Nothing is more fun than a giant ball of string that crushes everything in its path. (Well, okay a few things are more fun...) Everything has led up to the point at which the debris system has something to emit from. Now our scene is applied to the Rigid Body Dynamics features of Houdini where Alvaro makes use of the NEW Bullet Solver in Houdini 12.

Chapter 8 - Re-Timing - Sloooooo-Mo
To add a sense of large scale, one can slow down the action. This simple technique retimes the collapsing building and thereby adds to the illusion of a multi-story structure rather than a toy.

Chapter 9 - Adapting Our Debris System
While the debris system was functioning, there is room to make it better. This chapter refines the system to fit the collapsing destruction. Triggers and timing are setup to integrate the debris with the destruction. Triggering tricks using simple expressions are a bit of wizardry that allow the VFX TD to control when and where the magic happens.

Chapter 10 - Reconnecting Collisions
The debris must interact with our scene dynamically. Keep in mind that the particles are what are actually colliding. Creating relationships between the debris particles and the scene geometry is our focus.

Chapter 11 - Tweaking and Enhancing
Finally, after a series of tests you will see how to fine tune and finalize the scene. This short troubleshooting and cleanup sequence will help you complete your own scenes in the future.

Chapter 12 - Velocity Blur and Rendering
This modest courseware is wrapped with with some basic lighting involving Ambient Occlusion to show the power of our Debris generator setup along with velocity blur. As a debris TD it is often necessary to demonstrate your scene with some basic shading and lighting. This final chapter wraps up the lesson with some ambient occlusion for lighting.



About Our Mentor
Alvaro Segura is currently a Houdini Sr. FX TD living in Los Angeles, CA. He has worked at Sony Picture Imageworks, Blue Sky Studios, Rhythm and Hues, and Prologue Films where he has contributed to some of the latest blockbuster feature films, including The Green Lantern, Tron Legacy, Iron Man 2, Ice Age Continental Drift, Twilight saga, Hotel Transylvania and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Before becoming a part of the film industry, Alvaro created motion graphics for television and through this stage of his career, he won 7 Regional Emmy Awards. He is currently studying game simulation programming to widen his knowledge on programming languages such as C++ and its implementation in 3D applications.

Credit List
Alvaro Segura IMDB Page
Show Reel

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/

About cmiVFX
cmiVFX is the leader in High Definition Video Training for the Visual Effects Community. Register for FREE and receive hours of FREE content at the cmiVFX Video-on-Demand Player. ( http://store.cmivfx.com/login ) For additional information about cmiVFX, visit http://www.cmivfx.com © 2012 cmiVFX | cmiStudios. All rights reserved.