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Creating Tire Smoke FX in Houdini

Houdini & Nuke VFX Workflow with Eric Mancha

Description

Learn how to simulate impressive tire smoke FX using Houdini’s Pyro Sparse Solver in this intermediate-level workshop by Senior FX Artist Eric Mancha. This workshop is ideal for users with some experience using Houdini and Nuke and is approached from a studio production perspective to teach artists exactly what is expected from an FX artist in a studio environment.


In this 2-hour workshop, Eric creates the smoke simulation from scratch, explaining how to do collisions, how to use the Micro Solver Setup, and how to create custom velocity. You’ll learn effective lighting and rendering techniques and also discover how to use Nuke to composite the FX elements for the final presentation in Nuke.


As well as learning how to create a Pyro Sparse Solver from scratch, you’ll also see how to apply custom micro solvers and use VEX for simulation integration. Project files include an animated 3D model, provided by HKV Studios, the render cam, and the final setup from the scene to assist artists with learning the techniques shown.


Duration: 1h 46m

Format: HD 1920x1080

Eric Mancha

Senior Houdini FX Artist

Eric Mancha is a multidimensional visual artist and Senior FX Artist currently working at LAIKA Studios, with over fifteen years of experience in the visual effects industry. He began his professional journey at Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games, and Animation, earning his professional certification in 2010.


Throughout his career, Eric has contributed to major film productions, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Joker, Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Flash, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His expertise as an FX artist spans complex visual simulations and effects work, contributing to the cinematic quality and realism of contemporary blockbuster films.