Im not sure this is even in the right forum, but oh well.

I am currently studying 3D design, but I am very interested in making my way in VFX. The only problem is I have no idea where to start. I have obtained copies of both XSI and houdini. So I guess the first question is which would be better for a beginner to start on. I have watched all of Houdini's online tutorials and because of my slight background in 3D already i understand the modelling texturing redering etc. What I am completely lost with though is how to intergrate all this great 3D stuff into live footage off a camera. I have absolutely no idea how to do that. I know these are pretty noobish questions, but I am kind of teaching myself so…

Can you guys recomend some tutorials to actually help me with compositing the 3D with the real footage. Also if this is in the wrong section please move it.

Cheers.

there are plenty of tutorials etc online that cover what you're interested in great detail…
google things like:
compositing
matchmoving
tracking
etc

there are lots of books out there also…
The Art and Science of Digital Compositing - Ron Brinkmann, is really great
and any compositing package (Nuke, After Effects etc) will have tutorials covering the basics…
I'd have a serious look at Nuke :
http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/pkg_downloads.aspx?ui=CBC2593A-2C9F-4EF9-84BE-C198B0171453 [thefoundry.co.uk]

Thanks heaps for the reply. I will have a look at that now.

Also may I ask, what purpose do programs like houdini serve then.

Cheers.

I have no experience with Nuke, but the “composite” section in houdini might be what you are looking for.
Here's a little tutorial,
http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=445&Itemid=132 [sidefx.com]

cheers
Anders

Here you'll find Houdini and Nuke training tutorials.

http://cardanfx.net/english/index.html [cardanfx.net]

or

http://www.fxphd.com [fxphd.com]




Cheers

THIS is what you want.

regardless whether you use the various SPECIFIC apps in the workshop, you will see how each KIND of app adds to the final project.

this gnomen workshop takes a music video from beginning to end
and breaks down every freakn step.

http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/newsletter_sil.html [thegnomonworkshop.com]

here is the video that is broken down in the gnomen project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9WCVF8u5uk&feature=channel [youtube.com]

i'd also like to point out peter quint's amazing set of free lessons on vimeo.

106 videos as of this post
http://vimeo.com/user2030228/videos/all [vimeo.com]

:idea: