Diploma in Houdini for Film or Games

This program is for artists new to CG who seek a comprehensive education with a focus on Houdini. Students must be ready to dedicate at least 40-60 hours a week to their studies. Working while studying is not recommended.

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Term 1

Start with the basics. From a brief history of VFX to texturing, lighting, compositing, rendering, asset creation, and more…this term is designed to train you in the most essential facets of 3D Modeling. Alongside a concentration on Houdini, you’ll be introduced to the other important software tools you’ll use when working in the industry.

The courses you’ll take in this term will emphasize and enhance your organization, flexible thinking, and problem-solving skills. In just 16 weeks, you’ll become an extremely well-rounded artist, with a strong inkling of the area of CG you might specialize in.

Courses

• History of VFX
• Houdini
• Look Development
• Final Project
• Procedural Modeling
• Texturing & Shading

Term 2

The fundamental courses started in Term 1 continue, becoming more intense, complex, and demanding. You’ll be presented with more in-depth, creative techniques and tools that will allow you to produce more complex and detail-oriented work.

As you move through Term 2, you’ll start to build on your skills in Houdini and really start to grasp the revolutionary workflows and procedures that the software offers. From here, you’ll produce your Intermediate Final Project – producing an environment, a creature or character, or another type of asset for Film or Games.

Courses

• Environment Modeling
• Lighting & Rendering
• Advanced Modeling
• Particles & Effects
• Look Development
• Scripting & Expressions
• Texturing & Shading
• Final Project
• Vellum Cfx
• Production Pipeline

Term 3

Courses in this term focus on advanced Houdini tools, uses, and methods that will prepare you for the final stages of your specialization. Upon being connected with your personal mentor, you’ll begin to develop a full-term final project that will serve as a high-quality asset preceding the portfolio production stage.

You’ll be required to maintain a full production schedule under the guidance of your supervisor while advanced stream courses continue. By the end of the term, you will have a robust understanding of Houdini's advanced capabilities and be well-equipped to tackle your portfolio.

Courses

• Environment Modeling
• Lighting & Rendering
• Groom & FUR
• Advanced Particles & Effects
• Vellum CFX
• Production & Advanced Tools
• Fluid Simulation
• Look Development (Lops & Unreal)
• Final Project
• Rbd Simulations (DOPS)

Term 4

As the foundational piece of the portfolio production process, this mentor-focused term has you making definitive creative decisions–such as finalizing shots, completing lighting, rendering, and compositing to produce what will become the final cut.

Alongside the advice of your supervisor and mentor, you’ll take lessons focusing on presentation skills, portfolio packaging, career preparation, and job search which will provide invaluable direction on preparing resumés and cover letters, as well as industry practices and ethics.

Courses

• Job Readiness
• Final Portfolio Production

Students graduate with a competitive understanding industry standard software, practices and skills. With an studio-ready portfolio in hand, and hours of Career Development under your belt, you'll be ready to step into the world of CG Art for Film, TV, or Games.

Portal

Your virtual home base. Connect with classmates, and your supervisor, take in live sessions, and explore the student gallery.

Weekly Challenges

Utilize training materials, such as video, software screen capture, exercises, resources, and assignments.

Peer Learning

Take part in live question-and-answer sessions with your classmates and supervisor to share your ideas.

Small Classes

Each class has a max of eight students. This means less theory, less waiting, more collaboration, and more feedback.

24/7 Access

Throughout your program, you’ll get 24/7 access to all recorded live sessions and proprietary training materials.

Leave with Results

At the end of the day, walk away with a final project that you’ll proudly add to your portfolio, resumé, and bedroom wall.