Side Effects Software announced that U.K.-based Vanguard Animation utilized Houdini software to create new levels of realism in the 3D-animated VALIANT, which Disney will release domestically on Aug. 19, 2005.
Key to the believability of this bird-centric world about carrier pigeons in London during World War II was the feather effects needed for virtually all of the characters. In order to create this visual effect, Vanguard selected Houdini software to achieve realistic motion in the feathers while providing an efficient and cost-effective pipeline.
The process began during the Look Development stage, where it was determined that the feathers would play a key role in the character design. Here, the Houdini team developed techniques for grooming the feathers and defining the interaction between feathers and clothing.
Each of the 30 main bird characters went through a rigorous grooming process to form the basis for feathering throughout the film, said Rod McFall, Character Development and Pipeline supervisor. Houdini was the best choice of software to achieve the incredible realism and fine detail we were aiming for with the feathers and character interaction.
In addition, the interaction between wardrobe and feathers was also defined as part of the pipeline. Data was extracted from the clothing by using Houdini's Attribute Transfer tool in order to define areas where the feathers would need to push down. Because this tool works procedurally based on proximity, the interaction animated as the relationship between the clothing and the bird's surface changed over time.
By using Houdini, Vanguard was able to apply this sophisticated feathering solution to all the bird characters in multiple shots using a small, efficient team of two to three artists. Utilizing Houdini's interactive procedural networks, the pipeline was built without relying on programmers or plug-ins.
Once the networks were in place, a Web-based system was developed that could initiate the pipeline using whichever combination of character and clothing that was needed. This system was so easy to use that production assistants without any 3D experience could send a shot through the pipeline, saving valuable time.
Its always fascinating to hear stories about how our customers use Houdini software to develop dynamic and innovative visual effects, said Tony Cristiano, coo and vp of U.S. operations. VALIANT is a perfect example of how Houdini can increase the complexity and realism of a CG film.
The Houdini family of animation software offers digital artists an unprecedented level of power, flexibility and control based on award-winning technology. The comprehensive feature set includes modeling, rigging, animation, particle effects, channel editing, compositing, integrated rendering and much more. All Houdini applications work together seamlessly and are available for the Windows and Linux operating systems. Houdini has been used to create stunning digital animation in blockbuster films, including THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, THE SPIDER-MAN FRANCHISE, THE POLAR EXPRESS, I, ROBOT, CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, THE X-MEN FRANCHISE, THE HARRY POTTER FRANCHISE, THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY, THE MATRIX TRILOGY, SIN CITY, STEALTH and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
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, DreamWorks SKG, Electronic Arts, Framestore-CFC, Rhythm & Hues and Sony Pictures Imageworks.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
