Large-Scale Cinematic Destruction in Houdini by David Silberbauer

Explore the creation of a fully scalable cinematic destruction shot in Houdini using advanced procedural techniques. Tailored for Houdini artists with intermediate-level skills, this 8-hour workshop, led by David Silberbauer, provides comprehensive guidance on manipulating attributes, covering terrains and height field basics, and assembling blocks. The workshop delves into attribute randomization, setting up a fracturing system, and creating custom constraints. You’ll also master the DOP Network for handling RBD destruction setups and review essential TBD basics in SOPs. David then walks you through customizing velocities for POP networks, using POPs for debris, and manipulating debris for volume source utilization.

This workshop meticulously explains the process of building dust with the Pyro Solver from a volume source and extends to managing large-scale simulations. It not only teaches procedural techniques but also encourages a procedural mindset, empowering artists to construct their expansive scenes. While targeted at intermediate users, this workshop offers valuable insights for those with basic Houdini knowledge seeking to explore professional industry workflows.

The workshop includes a Houdini apprentice file containing a basic cinematic destruction setup. Special thanks to SideFX and Dell Technologies for their support in making this workshop possible.