are there any houdini courses being offered in Toronto? I remember seeing SideFx had crash courses on Houdini once and a friend of mine also took a course at Ryerson university a while back but i cant seem to find any info now. Im switching over from maya and just need a jump start

Hi,

The Houdini 101 DVD, instructed by Garman Herigstad, from www.thegnomonworkshop.com [thegnomonworkshop.com] is really good to help you get a jump start. I highly recommended. :wink:

sorry for disagreament, but the DVD which was mentioned is NOT worth its price since it explains absolutely basics, which are covered in free tutorials from SESI and 3dBuzz. In all 5.5 hours there are maybe three interesting tricks. I am sure, that Mr Garman Herigstad is high qualified specialist but this DVD is not well considered. I don't want to be rude, since its clearly written on the DVD cover that it explains fundamentals of Houdini workflow, but in this case “fundamentals” means “show me differences between common software and ”procedural approach" application - which is not what I was expected.

Its much better to download free vtms from 3dbuzz.com or SESI video (they explain the basics of Houdini much more consistently and deeper) and wait for more advanced DVDs from Gnomon. I would love to see 5 hours of expressions lessons… or VOPs… or POPs… or DOPs…. or…

apoc519
are there any houdini courses being offered in Toronto? I remember seeing SideFx had crash courses on Houdini once and a friend of mine also took a course at Ryerson university a while back but i cant seem to find any info now. Im switching over from maya and just need a jump start

SESI has recently implemented a monthly Toronto technical meeting on various topics (ie. July was HDK). While it may not help you immediately, these get-togethers give you a taste of different areas of the package and no doubt, you'll learn something of value. Also, a great way to network

I have to agree with SYmek regarding the 3Dbuzz VTMs … they are very good (even though they are using Houdini4/5). But, I wouldn't write off Garman's DVD totally. Sometimes, basics are just what one needs to get kick started.

Wasn't that the whole point, “Houdini 101”? Introductory level? I have look through the videos personally. Considering that I've been using Houdini since version 3 (not as long as many users here), yes, the materials were basic. However, the concepts and techniques that he taught, I say is what's valuable, that I believe that new users need to understand. For this reason, I highly recommend Garman and the materials that will be coming from him in the future.

I will have to agree TheUsualAlex on this one.
I find it the dvd is really useful for starters. I will highly recommend ppl who want to learn the program quickly and want to know basic of every aspect.

kind of misunderstanding:

houdini is not a 3dstudioMax, in which case you have thousands of books, tutorials and it's clear that if somebody publishes another materials, he wants to present some new quality in it.

In Houdini case everybody perfecty knows the common level of understanding in community, because all of us except profesionals and veterans knows Houdini from two sourcees: 3dBuzz VTMs and SESI video tutorials introduced in H 5.5. From that point of view, publishing DVD which clearly ignore the situation in community is, as I sad, not well considered.

It's hard to imagine for me, that anybody who knows VTMs and SESI video would be satisfied with Gnomon DVD. Maybe I'm wrong. I didn't say that is not usefull, I sad that you can get much more and for free from VTMs and SESI. So, I expected some more from such a specialist as Mr Garman.

Ok. lets finish it.

well it looks like sidefx answered my call. They're putting on a week long intensive course for TDs which suits me perfect. It doesnt say where but im assuming its Toronto because thats where they are based. Ill go through the 3dbuzz VTMs in the mean time to prepare. Thanks for the help

I would double-check that.

If you refer to the course held on 22d August to 24th August, it will be at the SESI LA office.

well thats no good then