Cinematic Environments in Houdini
Master the skills to build an epic fantasy environments in Houdini, entirely from the ground up. Learn fundamental principles of procedural modeling, asset creation, seamless USD & Solaris integration & much more.
Launch sale : 30% OFF
This is a special 1-time discount available only in this launch sale period.
Sale ends on 10th of August
Cinematic Environments
Take your Houdini skills to the next level with an in-depth course designed to teach you how to create stunning, cinematic environments using a procedural approach.
Taught by Ali Al-Tobi, a seasoned VFX artist, lead, and supervisor with experience at studios like MPC, Ghost VFX, Outpost VFX, and One Of Us, this course provides a deep dive into the techniques and workflows used in high-end film and TV productions.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Step-by-step
Building from scratch lets you follow a clear path and understand the reasoning behind every step
8-12 weeks
Students are encouraged to dedicate a few hours each week, depending on their skill level and availability.
Downloads
The files included are checkpoint hip file for a each episode, textures and HDRI used, and all the HDA created
Creating geometry
Procedural Modeling
This course shows you how to create detailed environments, structures, and effects-driven models that can be easily adjusted and reused, saving time and effort in productions.
Whether you’re interested in film, games, or virtual production, you’ll come away with real-world skills that you can apply in studio work or your own projects.
Streamlined workflows
Technical Development
Aside from procedural modeling, you’ll also learn how to create powerful Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs) to build reusable tools and streamline your workflow.
The course covers best practices in USD and optimization, helping you manage large scenes, clean geometry, and improved performance.
Module #3
Look development
You’ll master advanced lighting and rendering techniques, learning to shape mood, depth, and atmosphere for a cinematic look. Every frame is designed with purpose and visual impact.
By the end, you’ll create a stunning final shot that that rivals blockbuster movies, and will be perfect for a standout portfolio or reel.
STEP-BY-STEP LESSONS
Each lesson is structured step by step, making it easy to follow and ensuring you never feel lost. The course consists of 11 chapters spread across 10-15 minute lessons.
Chapter 1
Intro & Project setup
In this chapter we’ll go through preparing Houdini for our project, and going through some theory and methodology for the processes we’ll learn.
Chapter 2
Creating the main tree
In this chapter, the largest chapter, we’ll go into detail on how to create all the tools needed to build a procedural main tree. In here we delve deep into HDA creation aswell.
Chapter 3
Large surrounding trees & arches
In this chapter we’ll go over all the large elements and models surrounding the main tree and create them using the HDA tools we already created in chapter 2.
Chapter 4
Creating ground & throne steps
In this chapter we’ll focus on the ground elements. We’ll dive into how to tackle a detailed large ground surface, and also create the steps we see below the throne.
Chapter 5
Creating the throne seat
In this chapter we’ll focus on the 4 elements that make up the throne seat. We’ll use all the tools we’ve created som far to speed up our process.
Chapter 6
Light organism creation
In this chapter we’ll dive into creating the beautiful light organism with its simulated particle core. We’ll build a procedural setup to make it sit properly on the trees.
Lesson preview
This sample gives you a firsthand look at the step-by-step teaching style, clear structure, and practical approach you’ll experience throughout the full course.
Course information
• Access
• Format
• Support
• Duration
Instant
Pre-recorded
Discord 24/7
23 hours
By enrolling you'll have access to
Private comunity
Learn together and connect with artists around the world.
Instructor feedback
Getting unstuck can be just a message away
Lifetime access
Learn at your own pace and revisit lessons anytime.
Cinematic Environments in Houdini
$485
$485
Special 1 time launch sale discount
- 23 hours of lessons
- Downloads - Hip Files, HDAs, Textures
- Lifetime Access
- Private Discord Access
- Instructor feedback
You'll be redirected to our school on Teachable
Your instructor
Ali Al-Tobi is a Norwegian director, VFX supervisor, and technical director with over 15 years of experience in the visual effects industry.
Specializing in procedural workflows and cinematic world-building, Ali combines technical expertise with artistic vision to enhance and streamline creative processes across high-end film and television projects.
Ali has previously worked on high-profile films & TV shows such as
STUDENT SHOWCASE
Nothing is possible without the support of our amazing students and community. Here are some of the best works from our students.
I’ve always admired sci-fi and magical style works, and Voxyde’s recent courses perfectly match my taste! Even though I’m already a senior artist working with Houdini, I found this workshop very helpful. It provided practical solutions for lightning FX and demonstrated how to composite such effects in Nuke.
Intae Jang @jit_effect
Senior FX Artist at DDIP Studio
Having collaborated with Voxyde on many projects, I can confidently say he consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in Houdini. His ability to deliver high-quality FX work under extremely tight deadlines is remarkable. It’s no surprise that his journey with Voxyde has been so successful, and it’s great to see him now sharing his knowledge and helping so many students grow.
Victor Hedström
Founder / Creative Director of NMBRS
I want to thank Rez for the amazing video’s. Creating such a result is a boost to my confidence and skill in Houdini. I will for certain have to go back and rewatch some of the video’s when working on the extra exercise but that is to be expected from a beginner doing this course.
YoriVisuals @yorivisuals
3D animator and VFX artist
Just finished the course. I would like first of all to thank Rez you are amazing teacher and even a better artist! I come from real time VFX and this is my first time working on an actual cinematic.
Even though that I had never used Nuke in my life, the way the things are explained is just amazing.
Once again thank you.
Nikifor Milchev
VFX / Technical Artist
I have to say thanks for this course. It’s one of the best tutorials I’ve done, full of tips and tricks for building a complete scene from scratch to final render.
I love these generalist tutorials–wish there were more courses like this one. Congrats!
Jacobo Sánchez de la Villa @JackVfx1
Environment Set Dressing Senior & procedural modeler at Skydance animation
Frequently Asked Questions
All steps throughout the lessons are shown and explained, but this course assumes a working knowledge of Houdini.
If you are a complete beginner take a look at the Beginners section. If you take the Intro courses in order, you will be ready for this workshop.
Currently we have subtitles available in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French & Spanish.
We use VEX at a minimum throughout the course, only where it is convenient. In 95% of lessons, we use VOPS. If you are not familiar with VOPS, take a look at our free Intro to VOPS course
Upon enrolling you will have instant access to all content.
You will have lifetimes access to the entire course, including all lessons and downloadable material.
You are eligible for a refund 28 days after the course starts. Message us at rez@voxyde.com
Workshops are in-depth, project-based courses designed to provide comprehensive mastery of a specific topic. They typically involve larger-scale projects and a higher level of commitment.
Pro Courses, on the other hand, focus on individual techniques or smaller, niche projects. They’re perfect for quick, targeted learning and require less time and commitment than Workshops.
You will receive a discord invite link with the invoice email. Here you can ask questions, get feedback and learn with other students!
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