Side Effects Software announced that Digital Domain employed Houdini Digital Assets technology to create the vfx for STEALTH, which immerses viewers in a photorealistic experience with jet planes flying at supersonic speeds. In order to develop this effect, Digital Domain created hyperrealistic shots that could only be created in the computer. Therefore, Digital Domain chose Side Effects Software's award-winning Houdini to create more than 650 shots ranging from heat signatures, engine effects, lift condensation and even a two-mile ring of fuel bursting into flame.
We saw the opportunity to manage repetitive effects using Digital Assets, so we restructured our asset management using a versionless structure, where artists could use an environment setting to give them access to the cameras, models and animation required for a shot, said CG sequence lead Johnny Gibson. As a result, the artist didn't have to manage the assets, and communication problems typical of large productions were avoided.
Digital Assets were also employed, so artists working on the film could grab assets and apply them to a scene. Heat signatures, engine effects and lift condensation were set up as Digital Assets tools with custom interfaces for working with high-level parameters. A command-line interface was also created to add required assets to a shot and launch a render without an artist even touching the scene. This approach worked smoothly nine times out of ten, cutting down on the number of artists needed for the project.
By using Digital Assets to manage the effects, changes could be put into the pipeline and everyone down the line was informed of the alterations. Digital Assets have become the backbone of our customer's asset management systems, added Judith Crow, senior production consultant at Side Effects Software. Now a smaller team can accomplish more shots using repetitive effects packaged up as Digital Assets.
Other effects created in Houdini include small-scale fires, missile trails and a thin mist of vapor used to help the audience visualize the speed of the planes. Houdini was also used for a lightning storm and many clouds, including the fuel cloud that bursts into a two-mile ring of fire. Martian Labs Hydrous tools were used for some of the water work to help round out an impressive list of effects.
In addition, Digital Domain utilized Houdini in STEALTH to help previs motion control shots. The motion control rig was built in Houdini for camera and light positions. For example, a shot would be tested within this system first to find out if there was enough room, so if everything was going too fast the team would know the legal frame range. Digital Domain benefited from the immediate feedback and the ability to minimize setup time with the motion control rig.
Established in 1987, Side Effects Software (www.sidefx.com) is a leader in the field of non-linear animation with its unique, award-winning Houdini technology. Numerous digital content creation leaders use Houdini, including Digital Domain, Disney Feature Animation, C.O.R.E., DNA Prods., Framestore-CFC, The Orphanage, Rhythm & Hues and Sony Pictures Imageworks.
With its cutting-edge production pipeline, Venice, California-based Digital Domain (www.digitaldomain.com) has established a world-class reputation for innovation and artistry. In its 13-year history, Digital Domain has won five Academy Awards: two for Achievement in Visual Effects (TITANIC and WHAT DREAMS MAY COME), and three for Scientific and Technical Achievement. In 2005, Digital Domain produced vfx work for DARK WATER, CINDERELLA MAN, CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, AEON FLUX and STEALTH.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
