Dynamic Effects Animation for Games by Antonio Cappiello

Craft an impressive dissolving character VFX sequence in Unreal Engine using Houdini and Photoshop with this 2-hour workshop led by Principal VFX Artist Antonio Cappiello. Ideal for beginner and mid-level real-time VFX artists, the workshop covers procedural low-poly modeling techniques, RBD simulations, and packing flipbooks into a sprite sheet in Houdini. It is also beneficial for those looking to extend their understanding beyond basic Niagara particle systems functions.

The workshop provides a step-by-step guide to frame-by-frame animation in Photoshop, showcasing the use of the Timeline, Lasso tool, and the application of filters and effects to textures. Learn how to model and fracture assets in Houdini, import them into Unreal Engine, and place them in a level. Antonio shares insights into creating materials in Unreal, building environment Niagara particle systems, and crafting dissolving materials. Additionally, discover how to paint animated smoke using Photoshop.

The final stage covers importing flipbooks into Unreal Engine, creating materials and emitters, constructing the final level sequence, and animating material parameters and particle systems. Antonio concludes the workshop with final tweaks, demonstrating how to add an effective camera shake and grain effect.

While basic knowledge of Houdini, Photoshop, and Unreal Engine is ideal, the tutorial is designed to illustrate basic shortcuts and functions, enabling participants to follow each step of the workshop. All files used by Antonio in Houdini, Photoshop, and Unreal are included and available for download with the workshop.