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Frame 3-Oct-23-2025-01-38-35-0203-AM

Houdini Crash Course

Wed 19th Nov 3PM AEDT | with Daniel Hourigan
Learn to create film-quality explosions with Houdini - your crash course into the future of VFX.
REGISTER FREE
OVERVIEW

Houdini by SideFX is one of the most in-demand tools in the VFX, animation, and games industries.

Houdini powers blockbuster films, AAA games, and high-end commercials. Its node-based, procedural approach makes it capable of creating some of the most complex effects in entertainment — from smoke and fire to destruction, water, explosions and more.

This 2-hour Elevate session introduces you to Houdini’s workflow, demonstrating how to create and control a film-quality explosion simulation. You’ll gain an understanding of the core principles behind simulations and leave with practical insights into how industry professionals use Houdini in production.

This session provides a hands-on, approachable introduction to one of the most powerful tools in the industry.

Gesture Drawing and Dynamic Action Poses (1)-1
Course Details

How the Course Works

A quick snapshot of the schedule, class format, and learning experience.
tuition-bronze-01 Difficulty

Beginner

  
certificate-bronze-03 Pre Requisites

None

  
Tools Requirements

PC 

  
calendar-bronze Program Length

2 hours

 

  
online-bronze-01 Delivery Mode

Live online via Zoom.
Recordings are provided for review

  
start-date-bronze-02 Start Date

Starting Wednesday
19th Nov 2025
3pm AEDT

  
OUTCOME

What You’ll Learn

1
Hard and Fast Rules
You will understand the fundamentals and power of Houdini’s node-based procedural workflow, as well as how to adapt simulations to different creative goals.
2
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
You will understand how to avoid overcomplications and how to manage scale for realistic results.
3
General Career Advice
You will learn why Houdini skills are highly valued, as well as how learning FX can expand your opportunities as a generalist or specialist.
4
Live Demonstration
This session will feature a live, step-by-step demonstration inside Houdini, where you can see an explosion simulation created from scratch.
Format

Your Learning Journey

 
We will take you through why Houdini is one of the most valuable tools in industry, as well as an overview of procedural workflows and their advantages.
We will demonstrate navigating the interface, nodes, and procedural networks. You will understand the basics of FX and the rules, tips, and common mistakes.
You will be shown a step-by-step creation of a large scale FX explosion, as your mentor explains customizing look, timing, and detail.
This will be your opportunity to gain practical advice about continuing to learn Houdini, discover key resources and ask questions to Daniel Hourigan.
Overview

Accredited Bachelor Degrees & Diplomas

CG Spectrum offers specialised creative degrees and diploma programs designed to prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry. These programs focus on practical, industry-relevant skills, taught by experienced professionals. Key areas include:

  • 3D & 2D Animation - Learn character and creature animation for film and games using industry-standard tools.
  • Game Design & Development - Master game mechanics, level design, and programming to create immersive games.
  • Visual Effects - Explore compositing, simulations, and digital effects for film and TV.
  • Digital Illustration & Concept Art - Develop skills in character design, environments, and storytelling for games and film.
  • 3D Modeling - Create assets for games, films, and virtual productions, focusing on both hard-surface and organic modeling.

Programs are flexible, online, and focus on hands-on learning, portfolio development, and mentorship from industry experts. These courses are suited for beginners and advanced learners looking to break into the creative industries.

Find Out More
Mikhail Macaranas - Quest Accepted
MENTOR

Meet Your Instructor

Daniel Hourigan is a VFX artist with over two decades of experience across film, television, and games. Specializing in FX simulations, Daniel has worked on high-end productions and trained the next generation of VFX professionals worldwide. His deep expertise in Houdini and his ability to break down complex processes into clear, approachable steps make him the perfect guide for anyone starting their Houdini journey.

Frame 1-Oct-23-2025-01-11-02-5124-AM

Studios + Projects

Spots are limited. Register today

Register free and secure your spot.
COURSE OPTIONS

Learn your way

Join a small group class for a collaborative experience, or opt for private 1-on-1 training for personalized guidance.

  One-time Payment    7-Day Refund Guarantee  

Group Class

US$ 999
Learn, build, and grow together.

The Group Class is the core program designed for collaboration, peer feedback, and community learning — while keeping the group small enough for personal mentor support.

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Lessons: 6
  • Capacity: 6
  • Prerequisites: Basic drawing skills
  • Required Hardware: Windows PC
  • Required Software: Toon Boom Harmony,
    Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, ProCreate

Class is live every Monday at 7pm UTC.
Starting November 3rd.
BUY NOW

Private 1 on 1

US$ 2,495

If you prefer learning one-on-one with a mentor at your own pace, we also offer a private version of this course.

The requirements (software, tools, format, and support) are the same as the Group Class. 

The private version runs over 6 weeks, giving you:

  • Tailored guidance to match your goals

  • Flexible scheduling within a clear 6-week timeline

  • Direct feedback on your work

  • The freedom to learn at a pace that suits you

  • A stronger mentor relationship with focused support

 
BUY NOW