Cinematic Sand & Dust Simulations using Houdini
Creating a Desert Car Scene with Alvaro J. Segura
Description
Discover how to create a cinematic desert scene with sand and vehicle interactions. This complex yet rewarding simulation is demonstrated using Houdini Indie by Senior FX Artist Alvaro Segura.
This 3-hour workshop begins by delving into the use of Vellum grains and combining them with Pyro simulations to create a variety of sand textures, ranging from fine, dust-like particles to denser clumped sand. Alvaro details the crucial attributes of both Vellum and Pyro, empowering artists with the confidence to tweak these parameters for the desired effects in their own sand simulations.
Alvaro demonstrates techniques for creating clumped textures and achieving a granular, detailed look while also discussing the behavior of fine, realistic dust. Additionally, artists will learn how to optimize collisions and design custom velocity fields for enhanced simulation realism. Alvaro also walks through how to set up multiple containers and leverage TOP networks for wedging to facilitate heavy simulations and segment them into separate containers for an efficient yet powerful mix. In the final leg of the workshop, Alvaro details how to combine these containers back into a single volume as velocity and density VDBs for lighter, optimized volume handling.
By completing this workshop, artists will have practical workflows and the technical expertise to elevate their sand simulations to a professional standard.
This workshop utilizes an SUV car model from Turbosquid.
Duration: 3h 17m
Format: HD 1920x1080
Alvaro J. Segura
Freelance Sr FX Artist, FX Lead & FX Supervisor
Alvaro Segura is an accomplished FX Artist with over 15 years of experience, having contributed to some of the most prominent studios, including MPC Los Angeles, MPC London, Digital Domain, Zoic Studios, Blur Studios, Blue Sky, and Method Studios. He has held key leadership roles, such as FX Lead for The Lion King (2018), FX Supervisor at MPC, and FX Lead at Zoic Studios. Alvaro’s film credits include notable blockbusters like Terminator: Dark Fate, Black Panther, Ant-Man, The Lion King, and Pirates of the Caribbean, among others. His extensive expertise and innovative approach have cemented him as a leader in FX artistry.
