Demondo

Hey guys,

I was just passing by, and noticed a thread entitled “Is houdini 101 at 3dbuzz.com still available” but not one saying it is back. So I thought I'd point that out. Along with giving you an update.

As I mentioned just above, the course back. And as always, it is completely free and “go at your own pace” (thus no deadlines for submitting work.) You'll need a 3dbuzz account to sign up, but that too is free. Once you have an account just you can sign up whenever you want for the course. (It is in the left side panel under “Online Courses”.

Additionally, Jason (BuZZ) and Joel (Bingo) are putting in a ton of extra effort to bring the course back to its former glory. Assignments are being graded in record time (occasionally as fast as 2 hours after being submitted!) And three new VTMs are being developed. They aren't all completed yet. But it will cover: http://sv3.3dbuzz.com/index_sv.php?showthread.php?s=&threadid=47398 [sv3.3dbuzz.com]

VTM #3 (Module 2)
- Introduction to Particle Effects
- Intro to Expressions
- Intro to SOPs (Creating Rain)
- Working with Groups
- Forces and Metaballs
- Developing a simple Tornado
- Basic Particle Rendering
- Filling Valleys with Turbulent Water
- Simulating Cloth with Springs
- Introduction to POPs
- Creating a Fireworks System

VTM #4 (Module 2)
- Developing a Black Hole I - Particle Control
- Developing a Black Hole II - Particle Rendering
- Developing a Black Hole III - Post Production (Basic COPs)

Crowd Simulation I - Inspired by the Mummy
- Lesson A: Developing the Base Network
- Lesson B: Per Particle Navigation Control
- Lesson C: Avoiding Objects and Instancing Geometry
- Lesson D: Packaging for Distribution (OTL)

VTM #5 (Module 2)
- Crowd Simulation II - Inspired by Independence Day
- Lesson A: Developing the Base Simulation
- Lesson B: Implementing AI
- Lesson C: Packaging for Distribution (OTL)
- Lesson D: Post Production (Advanced COPs)

All three of those VTMs will make up module 2 of the course! (Note: Since the VTM is not yet completed, its contents are subject to change without notice.) Some of it is available though, and, to date, I've watched over 4 hours of content. It is really impressive.

Here is a brief quote from BuZZ about the second module:

Here is a listing of the videos that are currently available:

Expressions I
Expressions II and Reactive Animation
Intro to Particle SOPs
Particle SOPs II (Breaking Glass)
Group SOPs
Force SOP
Springs SOP
Tornado FX I: Funnel
Tornado FX II: Debris Field
Tornado FX III: Fluid Motion
Tornado FX IV: Advanced Shape Control

As you can see, I'm adding additional videos to the list. These 11 videos total nearly 6 hours of content! Not bad And just think, we've not even gotten into POPs yet

Before anyone asks, I'd just like to point out that the VTMs are NOT available to download from the download section. They are SOLELY available to people who pass module 1 of the course. This is to provide incentive to watch all the videos, participate in the course, AND because a lot of people download videos and don't watch them. (Bandwidth isn't cheap.)

That's it for now. Be sure to check out: http://sv3.3dbuzz.com/index_sv.php?showthread.php?s=&threadid=48289 [sv3.3dbuzz.com] for a soundless 9MB preview of the tornado effect.