FX workflows in Solaris/USD | Crater Studio | FMX HIVE 2025
49Importing FX data into Solaris can be challenging. Over the past couple of projects, we have polished our own HDA wrappers which would import particles, volumes and destruction in a very efficient manner without duplicating data. Learn how to destroy big environment pieces, with bunches of arbitrary overlapping geometry. VDB fracturing in conjunction with TOPS was the technique that made it all possible.
Bogdan Amidzic has been in VFX industry from 2006, working both in 2d and 3d departments, mainly in Crater studio. His art background experience and programming skills lead to finally diving into Houdini ecosystem. Over several projects he has been responsible first for adopting Houdini as a main tool, then adopting USD/Solaris pipeline. Recently he started teaching as Houdini instructor in Crater VFX training center, and has organized several Houdini user group events.
00:00 Intro
03:34 Project Range and Houdini Usage
07:11 Instanceable References and Workflow
10:48 Scene Instancing Techniques
14:19 RBD Simulation Showcase
17:57 Using Solaris for Lighting
21:30 Custom Python Scripts Overview
25:02 Camera and Layout Tools
28:34 Rendering Pipeline Challenges
32:04 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up