Artistic and Technical VFX for Everyone
Simplifying Complexity
Grow at Your Pace
Houdini FX
Dive into the world of VFX with Houdini, the essential software for creating visual effects in animated films and movies. Our courses cover a wide range of skills, from procedural modeling to complex simulations such as destruction, fluids, and particles. We also explore studio workflows, PDGs, procedural shaders, Python scripting, the VEX language, as well as the creation of HDAs and reusable tools to optimize your productions.
The goal is to simplify processes as much as possible while introducing more advanced approaches in Levels 2 and 3. These intermediate and advanced levels are specifically designed to optimize production setups and enable efficient management of complex scenes using VEX and Python techniques.
These courses are suitable for all levels :
- Level 1 : For beginners who want to discover Houdini and understand its fundamentals through various VFX.
- Level 2 : An intermediate learning experience focused on advanced techniques and practical projects.
- Level 3 : Advanced techniques with complex production projects and studio workflows.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, deepen your knowledge and skills in VFX while simplifying complex processes to create VFX tailored to your projects.
Houdini For Game
Dive into the world of procedural creation with Houdini For Game, a series of training courses specially designed for developers and artists looking to integrate VFX and complex assets into video game projects. Through three progressive levels, learn how to create optimized assets for game engines like Unreal Engine 5, exploring advanced techniques tailored for professional productions.
- Level 1 : Beginner
Discover the basics of Houdini by creating simple procedural assets, such as asteroids with variations, while learning how to export optimized textures for Unreal Engine 5. Ideal for those new to the software. - Level 2 : Intermediate
Deepen your skills with tools like PDGs, Python scripting, procedural shaders, and workflow optimization. This level focuses on automation and the creation of production pipelines. - Level 3 : Advanced
Learn to manage complex systems in VEX, design interactive environments, and create dynamic cinematics. This level is intended for professionals looking to optimize complex game scenes.
This training combines artistic creativity and technical mastery, making complex concepts accessible to everyone. Join us to create professional-quality assets and push the limits of modern game pipelines.
Python For VFX
Dive into the world of tool creation and technical solutions for VFX, designed to introduce you to the use of Houdini and QT Designer. These courses will guide you through the development of custom tools in Python and automated workflows, helping you improve efficiency and better manage complex projects.
You will learn to :
- Automate repetitive tasks in Houdini using Python scripts.
- Create professional user interfaces (UI) with QT Designer, seamlessly integrated into Houdini.
- Develop reusable tools such as HDAs with automated functionalities to optimize your productions.
- Connect Python to complex VFX workflows by manipulating scene data, cache files, and studio pipelines.
- Enhance your pipelines by integrating Python and Houdini into real-time production systems.
Whether you are a technical artist or a developer, this module provides a simple and progressive approach to learning how to use Python and QT Designer in the context of VFX, while also covering advanced concepts to optimize your projects and boost your productivity.
An Iterative Learning Approach
Learning is based on a progressive, iterative method, inspired by the AGILE approach. Technical terms are introduced gradually throughout the lessons, minimizing their use at the beginning to avoid information overload. Each concept is developed through successive cycles, progressively adding complexity to the setup while maintaining a smooth learning curve. The focus is on simplifying complexity, teaching how to structure and efficiently organize an iterative workflow to master the management of complex systems.
Today, the goal is to share this knowledge and help other enthusiasts explore this fascinating field. VFX Side Inc. was founded to offer training in both French and English, making VFX accessible to everyone. The ambition is to simplify complex concepts and provide concrete tools to allow each learner to progress at their own pace.
The courses cover a variety of topics, including Houdini, Python, VEX, and studio workflow optimization for video games and cinema. Free tutorials are also shared on YouTube, with the mission of making the learning process for VFX and technical development as clear and accessible as possible.
A Teaching Approach Inspired by Experience
Teaching and training have always been a strong source of interest. Throughout various academic and professional experiences, one realization became clear: learning difficulties are not just caused by the complexity of topics but also by methodological obstacles that slow progress.
Observing the struggles of other students in different training programs led to an important reflection: how to teach differently to avoid these pitfalls and enable a more fluid and effective learning experience? This question led to the development of a pedagogical approach based on iterations, inspired by the AGILE methodology.
The goal is to prevent students from getting stuck due to an overload of concepts or an excessively linear approach. Each concept is introduced progressively, in cycles, allowing complexity to be assimilated step by step without hindering progress. This structure provides learners with a stable and adaptable learning process, enabling them to advance confidently without being overwhelmed by unnecessary challenges.
Making VFX Accessible
Today, the goal is to share this knowledge and help others explore this fascinating field. VFX Side Inc. was founded with the goal of offering online training in French and English, making VFX learning accessible to everyone, regardless of their level or background. The ambition is to simplify complex concepts and offer practical tools that allow each student to progress at their own pace.
The courses cover a wide range of topics, including Houdini, Python, VEX, and studio workflow optimization for video games and cinema. Free tutorials are also shared on YouTube, with the mission of making VFX and technical development as clear and accessible as possible.
Hello, my name is Sébastien Volpe. Passionate about visual effects and software development since the age of 11, I founded VFX Side Inc. to share my knowledge and help creators master tools like Houdini, Unreal Engine, and Python. With over 10 years of experience in software development and a transition into VFX, my goal is to make these techniques accessible to everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. Learn more.