Bootcamp in CFX with Houdini

Your future in VFX starts here!

Bring your characters to life!
In this Houdini CFX bootcamp, you’ll learn how to create advanced hair, clothing, fabric, and dynamic simulations at the level of major Hollywood studios.

Data

October to April

Modality

Online and Face-to-Face

Language

Spanish and English

Duration

4 months

Software

Houdini Sidefx

Presentation

Are you passionate about visual effects? Do you dream of bringing stunning creatures to life, designing fantastic worlds, and creating epic movie scenes? This is your moment!

In just 4 months, our CFX Bootcamp will take you from zero to expert in Houdini, the industry-leading VFX software. You’ll learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques to become a top-level Creature Effects Artist.

· Intensive online training with live classes.
· Personalized mentoring with industry experts.
· You’ll create different practical projects for your portfolio.
· You’ll leave with a professional demo reel ready to apply for real-world work.

Take your creativity to the next level and prepare for a career in visual effects. Begin your VFX journey!

Educational methodology and objectives

We apply a dynamic methodology developed based on practice. Treating each student as a professional, we prioritize the real applicability of the acquired learning and teach how to meet the corresponding standards.

Our educational model is based on project work and the reproduction of the real environment.

bootcamp-cfx

1.

CFX ARTIST 

PROFESIONAL

Graduates will be able to work as CFX artists, specializing in the creation and management of character or creature simulations. Their advanced Houdini knowledge will allow them to contribute to the creation of realistic visual effects in film, advertising, VR, or video game productions.

2.

GROOM ARTIST

Creation and management of fur and feathering on characters. This includes 3D modeling and texturing. This role is crucial in projects that require a high degree of realism in the representation of animal or human characters, where fur and feathers are essential elements. Groom Artists use advanced techniques to ensure natural grooming and work closely with other visual effects and animation artists.

3.

RESEARCHERS IN THE FIELD OF VFX<

Study and development of new technologies, algorithms, and techniques that can improve VFX production. This includes research into fluid simulation, advanced rendering techniques, and improvements to production workflows. This role can be found in VFX studios, software companies, or academic institutions. Researchers collaborate with artists and developers to implement innovative solutions that optimize creation processes and improve the quality of visual effects across various platforms.

4.

PROFESSIONAL VALIDATION

Comprehensive program verified year after year by professionals from the VFX & CFX industry with a recognized track record.

Program – International Bootcamp at CFX with Houdini

COURSES

SUBJECTS

  • HOUDINI FUNDAMENTALS. You will become familiar with the Houdini interface and learn the basic fundamentals (ABC) to handle it.
  • GROOMING. You will learn to create the hair of our characters or creatures from scratch: hairstyles (grooms) for animals, creatures, monsters, realistic characters and cartoons. Simulation of own projects.
  • FUR (Hairstyles). With the help of special tools and techniques, we will simulate realistic hairstyles, styles and textures so that they look great in our animations or 3D images.
  • FEATHERS (Feathers). Using specialized tools and techniques, we will design and simulate realistic feather systems that enhance our animations or 3D models.
  • CLOTH, SOFT BODIES & MUSCLES. Clothing and soft body simulation in VFX involves making clothing and flexible objects move realistically in animation, using a kind of “virtual physics.”
  • Final Projects: Based on the concepts learned in the bootcamp, the student must carry out a real project to incorporate into their demo.

Outputs / Employability

flecha-web-1CFX Artist

Bring characters and creatures to life, making dynamic elements such as clothing, hair, feathers, and fur behave realistically and believably.

flecha-web-1Houdini Groom TD

Specialization in the creation and simulation of hair, fur or feathers in animals and characters with tools such as Houdini.

flecha-web-1Digital Compositor

Final image composition and creation of shots for any type of audiovisual production (movies, commercials, TV series…) using filmed or CG elements.

flecha-web-1Artista CFX Freelancer

Works independently offering services to small and large productions, allowing flexibility and a private project portfolio.

flecha-web-1Houdini FX Artist

Creation of photorealistic and physically real visual effects (dust, water, smoke, explosions, destruction, etc.).

flecha-web-1Visual Effects Artist

Development of your own projects in their entirety. Create your own digital pieces, develop VFX solutions entirely independently or as part of a team.

Student projects

VFX Professor

vfx-marc-dominguez

Marc Domínguez has been in the VFX industry for 6 years. He has always been at the forefront, working on productions such as The Little Mermaid, Star Wars Visions 2, Pinocchio, Nope, and also teaching and promoting Houdini and VFX.

As a passionate FX and CFX artist, his goal is to be at the forefront of industry advancements, share knowledge with other artists, and produce high-quality visual effects. He has developed strong Houdini skills and fostered a reputation as a key contributor through problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Testimonials

Who is this training for?

People who want to change course

Are you thinking of changing sectors? This training is designed to develop the skills necessary to work as a CFX Artist, both for series, films and video games

People who want to boost their career

Take this course to complement your knowledge and be able to create functional artistic content for large productions.

Recently
graduated

Have you just graduated from university? This training will provide you with the essential skills to start your career in the industry and art of film, movie and video game productions.

Would you like more information about this program?

Fill out this form and we will contact you to inform you about the registration process at L’Idem. All fields are required.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our training. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us; we’ll be happy to help.

How does the Bootcamp start if I’ve never used Houdini?

We begin with the Houdini Fundamentals module, designed to help you master the interface and basic principles before moving on to complex simulations.

How will I receive feedback on my exercises and final project?

Every week, you’ll have personalized mentoring sessions with our active faculty; they’ll review your work and suggest specific improvements until your shot is ready for the demo reel.

What is the final project and how will it enhance my portfolio?

Upon completion, you’ll create a complete simulation (hair, fabric, or muscles) applying everything you’ve learned. This project, supervised by the teaching team, will be optimized for inclusion directly in your professional reel.

What career prospects will I have after graduation?

Among the most in-demand profiles the Bootcamp prepares you for are CFX Artist, Houdini Groom TD, Houdini FX Artist, Digital Compositor, and Visual Effects Freelancer.

How does the school help me connect with industry?

L’Idem maintains direct contact with more than 1,000 studios and annually organizes the
International Animation Summit, a private recruitment event where our
students present their reel to leading companies.

Can I attend classes if I live outside of Barcelona or work part-time?

Yes. The Bootcamp is 100% live online and all sessions are recorded so you can review them whenever your schedule allows.

What makes this Bootcamp different from other VFX courses?

Our approach is based on real-world projects, professional mentoring, and annual validation of the curriculum by VFX studios that use Houdini in international productions.

What are the steps to apply for admission and how many places are there?

Places are limited. Simply fill out the “More Information” form, and the Admissions team will contact you to guide you through the entrance exam and reserve your spot.

What language is taught and do I need a minimum level?

Teaching is in Spanish, with the option to follow the course entirely in English. We don’t require an advanced level: a basic understanding of your chosen language is sufficient, as the support materials and mentoring sessions are adapted to both languages.