Title: Houdini & Simulation – Creative Simulation Technologies

Language: English

Credits: The course is not accredited with ECTS points, but the course content would be equal to 30 ECTS points.

Duration of the program: 12 weeks, full-time program

Next program: spring 2022 (precise dates will be posted asap)

Application deadline: February 2022 (will be updated with a precise date asap)

Place: VIA University College, The Animation Workshop. Viborg, Denmark

Fee: 3.950 EUR (29.372 DKK). You will have the option to split up this course fee into 3 installments

Houdini-certified: The Houdini & Simulation course is a SideFX Houdini certified training program. This official certification comes with some great benefits for course participants such as special internships and free commercial Houdini licenses for participants upon graduation! 

More information:

• Overview of the course program (PDF)
• Practical information (PDF)
• Houdini 2019 reel
• Houdini & Simulation 2019

“Overall an amazing course, would definitely recommend. This course and the overall environment was amazing :)”
- Andrei Zberea, Houdini & Simulation 2019

“It was the best teaching experience I ever had! I will highly recommend this course to my fellow colleagues”
- Marta Strazicic, Houdini & Simulation 2019

To apply to the Houdini & Simulation for Film and Games course, please use the online application form. Please see the deadline under “Facts”.

We'd be happy to review your motivations for the course and would be glad to review your application which should include a CV and letter with descriptions of your background and interests going into the course. Other applicable additions could include a show-reel and portfolio, video work, scientific studies or artistic pursuits.  

In the event of a successful application to the course, you will receive a signed acceptance letter within 1-2 weeks after the application deadline. In this connection, we ask you to confirm your seat as soon as possible afterward.

The Animation Workshop, VIA University College reserves the right to cancel the course should there not be enough participants registered.

Apply now

The focus of the 12-week course is simulation. Students will study and implement graphical, physics-based solvers as well as real-time simulations. The foundation of the course is based on Houdini. Additional software training includes Touch Designer, game engines, and basic programming. On completion, students will showcase highly specialized knowledge of node-based procedural workflows. Projects will take the form of well-presented simulations in tandem with case studies targeted towards bringing new ideas into Europe’s diverse art and technology markets (film/games/animation/sciences).

With the study of Houdini, TouchDesigner, a game engine, and coding; a student has complete technical and artistic freedom with simulation; at the heart and edge of computer technology. A graduate will be simultaneously skilled in sought after industry solutions as well as software independent to adapt to changes in the highly volatile field.

 

What you get:

• An intensive course developed with the help of industry professionals
• Instructors are all active professionals with updated and production-tested knowledge
• Hands-on teaching and practice every day from morning to afternoon
• A professional network
  
  

Course learning objectives:

• To master the craft of computer simulation in various forms
• To work with highly complex physics solvers
• To work with real-time simulation paradigms present in motion graphics and game engine technology
• To understand the foundations of computer science through application of direct programming
• To undergo the problem solving process as pertaining to complex unknown variables
• Training to deliver plan and deliver project milestones on time
• To become independent and self-driven as a technical artist
• Research of a phenomenon for simulation
• Produce a well-polished final presentation to industry of a simulation
• Produce a case-study detailing the process going into the simulation
• An understanding and proficiency in Houdini software
• A grasp of real time motion graphics using Touch Designer software
• A grasp of real time physics and environment using a game engine
• The ability to solve custom software needs using direct coding
• Understanding of how to successfully market a project to a wider audience

 

Course instructional method:

Lectures from instructors/industry practitioners. Guided mentorship through notable stages of individualized projects. Biweekly milestone review. Weekly group critique.

 

Course assignments:

Simulation, Case study

 

Course software

• Houdini
• Touch Designer
• Game engine (Unreal)

 

Final Projects

Participants work on their own simulation projects throughout the 12-week course. You can watch the course showreel and final projects from the previous year below.

Houdini 2019 reel

Houdini & Simulation 2019

The fee is the same for all participants regardless of nationality, unless awarded a scholarship. As per the rules of our co-funder Creative Europe MEDIA, The Animation Workshop can offer scholarships to course participants from so-called low production capacity countries. The Animation Workshop cannot grant a scholarship to every applicant but we try our best to help as much as possible.

You can apply for three types of scholarships:

• Travel to and from Viborg at the beginning and end of the course
• Housing (rent and utilities)
• Course fee (part or full coverage)

You can apply for multiple categories, but please be realistic of what you need. Some applicants rely completely on a scholarship to be able to attend the course.

You will receive an invoice for the entire course fee shortly before the start of the course. This will be sent as a PDF attachment to your e-mail.