Course content
Through the Creative Simulation Technologies course, you will master the craft of computer simulation in various forms. You will study and implement graphical, physics-based solvers as well as real-time simulations. The foundation of the course is based on Houdini, and additional software training includes Touch Designer, basic programming, and Unreal Engine. With the study of these four elements - Houdini, TouchDesigner, coding, and Unreal – an artist has complete technical and artistic freedom with simulation; at the heart and edge of computer technology.
On completion, you will showcase highly specialized knowledge of node-based procedural workflows. Projects will take the form of well-presented simulations in tandem with case studies targeted toward bringing new ideas into Europe’s diverse art and technology markets.
Participant projects
You will work on an individual simulation project throughout the course. You will choose a specific natural phenomenon that you must research. You will then have to recreate the phenomenon, or combine elements from different natural phenomena, as computer simulations. You can choose to render the end-product, the animated film sequence, in different ways, for instance realistically, graphically, or based on a game aesthetic, but the actual simulations in the scene will behave realistically based on the laws of physics.
As a result, the participants’ final projects are short animated clips consisting of well-executed computer simulations combined with detailed case studies documenting their workflow and considerations throughout the process. Case studies are important for your own creative process, but equally important for knowledge sharing and further development of the field.
What you get
- An intensive course developed with the help of industry professionals
- Instructors are all active professionals with updated and production-tested knowledge
- Hands-on teaching and practice every day from morning to afternoon
- A professional network
- 24-7 access to your own personal workstation with industry-standard software
- Art and didactic materials
- Access to camera equipment
- Assistance with housing and travel advice
- Access to all extra-curricular activities: sports, lectures, parties etc.
Instructors
- Andrew Lowell (US), Houdini FX trainer and technical director, main course teacher: Mummy 3, Aliens in the Attic, Invictus, Thor, Sucker Punch, Transformers 3, Jack the Giant Slayer and Ender’s Game.
- Jeronimo Maggi (IT/AR). FX Technical Director at Method Studios. Pipeline TD. Houdini instructor at FXPHD. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, The Christmas Chronicles, Ford v Ferrari, Extraction.
- Adam Funari (US). Terrain and Technical Artist, Level Designer at Offworld Industries
- Kate Xagoraris (CAN). VFX artist at MCP, VFX professor/mentor and VFX scientist. Valhalla: The Greenlanders, The Witcher: Redanian Intelligence, Raised by Wolves: Season 2.
(Instructors are subject to change)
More information
For the most current information about the course content, schedule, and instructors, and to apply, please visit https://animationworkshop.via.dk/programs-and-courses/creative-simulation-technologies
For further information please contact prs@via.dk
(The Creative Simulation Technologies course is co-funded by the Creative Europe MEDIA program.)