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The Gnomon Workshop has released Cinematic Sand & Dust Simulations Using Houdini<\/a>, a masterclass in professional simulation workflows, recorded by FX Artist Alvaro J. Segura<\/a>.<\/p>\n The advanced workshop provides over three hours of video training in Houdini<\/a> and Nuke<\/a>, and is demonstrated using Houdini Indie<\/a><\/p>\n Master professional workflows for creating complex Houdini simulations<\/strong> He begins by exploring how to use Vellum Grains<\/a>, combining them with Pyro simulations<\/a> to create a range of sand textures, from fine, dust-like particles to denser clumps.<\/p>\n Segura reveals how to optimize collisions, and how to design custom velocity fields to enhance the realism of simulations.<\/p>\n He also walks through the process of setting up TOP networks<\/a> for wedging<\/a> to streamline heavy simulations, segmenting them into separate containers for an efficient yet powerful workflow. <\/p>\n In the final part of the tutorial, Segura sets out how to combine these containers back into a single volume as velocity and density VDBs for lighter, optimized volume handling.<\/p>\n The workshop uses a commercial truck model<\/a> from TurboSquid.<\/p>\n About the artist<\/strong> He was FX Lead on The Lion King, and has also worked on movies including Terminator: Dark Fate, Black Panther, Ant-Man, and Pirates of the Caribbean.<\/p>\n Pricing and availability<\/strong> Subscriptions cost $57\/month or $519\/year. Free trials are available.<\/p>\n Read more about Cinematic Sand & Dust Simulations Using Houdini<\/a><\/p>\n Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>. As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don\u2019t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.<\/em><\/p>\n Full disclosure: CG Channel is owned by Gnomon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
In the workshop, Segura creates a complex simulation of a vehicle ploughing through deep sand, using Houdini\u2019s key toolsets and following practical production workflows.<\/p>\n
Alvaro J. Segura is a Freelance FX Artist with over 15 years of experience at some of the world\u2019s leading VFX companies, including MPC, Digital Domain, Zoic Studios and Blur Studio.<\/p>\n
Cinematic Sand & Dust Simulations Using Houdini is available via a subscription to The Gnomon Workshop, which provides access to over 300 tutorials.<\/p>\n