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Using Not Just Houdini On A Demo Reel


whalerider

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I am interested in FX TD work, currently working on my reel.

I've been wondering whether to focus just on Houdini or to include pieces created with other software (Maya for example) as well.

On the one hand, the demand-supply situation favors Houdini artists, but I don't want to miss an opportunity that comes from a shop

that does not use Houdini.

2 more (related) questions:

1. Also, let's say I apply for a Houdini job. Would it be a problem if my reel is not 100% Houdini?

2. If I am interested in features work (as opposed to games and commercials), should I stick to Houdini and Maya and avoid

apps like Max and RealFlow?

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I know one of the requirements for an FX TD is scripting/programming.

That's fine with me since I am coming from software development background.

So my question is - what is the right mix of CG and tools/scripts demos to have on my reel?

A couple tools/scripts and 3-4 CG shots?

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Hey... I merged your threads because they're related. And it's easier to answer them this way :).

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about what software you use on your reel... Unless you're trying to get into a pipeline dev kind of role, in which case the software takes on a more critical role. A lot of FX work is replicating real world effects (smoke, dust, fluids, etc) and if your reel shows an understanding of the physics/weight of the fx you're trying to do then the specific software can be taught with no problem.

My .2c anyway.

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Thanks, Marc.

Meeting the requirements for pipeline development is easy for me (except for "at least 2-3 years film experience"),

but I doubt a US shop would get me a work visa for that kind of position - it's quite easy to find someone who knows Python

and has some Unix/Linux experience, imho. Plus, afaik, it's not easy to start as pipeline TD and then move to FX TD.

So I would rather stick to my FX TD target.

Hey... I merged your threads because they're related. And it's easier to answer them this way :).

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about what software you use on your reel... Unless you're trying to get into a pipeline dev kind of role, in which case the software takes on a more critical role. A lot of FX work is replicating real world effects (smoke, dust, fluids, etc) and if your reel shows an understanding of the physics/weight of the fx you're trying to do then the specific software can be taught with no problem.

My .2c anyway.

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I see. Thx.

I've seen reels on cgtalk.com where people have screen-captured their tools "in action".

yip, then I'd say that a reel filled with solid fx work is more important than having scripts demo'd (not sure how those would go on a reel anyway?).

M

Edited by whalerider
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