Creating Tire Smoke FX in Houdini by Eric Mancha

Learn how to simulate impressive tire smoke FX using Houdini’s Pyro Sparse Solver in this intermediate-level workshop by Senior FX Artist Eric Mancha. This workshop is ideal for users with some experience using Houdini and Nuke and is approached from a studio production perspective, teaching artists exactly what is expected from an FX artist in a studio environment.

In this 2-hour workshop, Eric creates the smoke simulation from scratch, explaining how to handle collisions, utilize the Micro Solver Setup, and create custom velocity. You’ll learn effective lighting and rendering techniques and also discover how to use Nuke to composite the FX elements for the final presentation.

In addition to learning how to create a Pyro Sparse Solver from scratch, you’ll see how to apply custom micro solvers and use VEX for simulation integration. Project files include an animated 3D model, provided by HKV Studios, the render cam, and the final setup from the scene to assist artists in learning the techniques shown.