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This workshop consists of 8 lessons with supplied max files for 3ds Max 9, and FumeFX.
WEEK ONE : Introduction
In the first week we introduce fluids – what they are, and how they work. Introducing FumeFX’s interface, and workflow as well as key features of the product. This will be your first crash course into the world of fire, smoke and all things fluids!
- Introduction to FumeFX
- How FumeFX works
- How-to basic effects
WEEK TWO: Creating realistic fire
The second week covers a more focused look on how to create a realistic campfire, burning actual logs and creating realistic flames. We also look at using fuel to generate smoke and a lot of workflow methods to improve your speed and optimize your scenes.
- Creating realistic campfire
WEEK THREE: Creating a magic cauldron with flowing smoke
Here we look at how to create a cauldron full of flowing smoke, similar to shows like Shrek and other films involving smoke rolling out and flowing across the ground. The first look at high quality smoke simulations and how to get the most out of them.
- Working through creating a magic cauldron with flowing smoke
WEEK FOUR: Creating interactive mist
This week we cover a more in depth look at atmospheric effects and how to get objects to interact with the best amount of control between surfaces and fluids, as well as choreograph higher quality simulations.
- Jagged rocks on the ground split up and push the ground
- Learn how to control exactly how objects interact and react
WEEK FIVE: Creating propane and other fire blasts
In week 5 we turn it up a notch and start creating Hollywood grade A visual effects simulations of fire blasts and realistic pyro effects. In this lesson you will learn how to completely control your fire and also gain the most out of working with FumeFX.
- Understanding fuel & temperatures
- Creating the dynamics of a fire blast
- Creating the shader
- Controlling your pyro
WEEK SIX: Creating your first explosion
Moving on from week 5 we raise the bar even higher, creating explosions and moving into more advanced shader techniques. Here we’re able to use what we know so far to go that extra step and create realistic explosions, plumes and unlocking a lot of the parameters needed to create realistic fiery explosions.
- Creating a realistic explosion
- Continuing on with manipulating fuel and heat to create even bigger blasts
- How to optimize your fluid sims
WEEK SEVEN: Creating FX driven animation
Here we look at running multiple fluid containers and having them work together, creating automated procedural fire effects of trees all lighting up and lighting the other trees around them on fire. How to use fuel and other tricks as well as have multiple containers interact with each other.
- When one tree is on fire, and it falls and comes into contact with the next tree, the fire is passed on
- Using fuel for advanced purposes
- Using multiple containers together
WEEK EIGHT: Putting practice into production: creating a real FX shot
Treated like a real visual effects production shot we look at how to simulate CG head lighting on fire spreading apart, much similar to many Hollywood vampire films.
- Creating a realistic shot of a person’s face burning
- Work within a real production process
- Move into even more advanced fluids content
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Level of Ability
This course, is designed for intermediate to advanced users, however novices are welcome to participate as everything is discussed thoroughly in an informal and friendly atmosphere. The class is video based class so students will have the tools to study the material over and over. Please note, this class is not for novice 3ds Max users.
Software Requirements:
Students need 3ds Max with the Autodesk Certified Animation plug-ins FumeFX.
For those students who are without the FumeFX plug-in but would still like to participate in the workshop, we are offering a 60-day trial of FumeFX, courtesy of Sitni Sati, Orbaz Technologies and Turbo Squid. Paid students in this class will receive their license details on the day the class starts. At the end of the class, non CGS members using the trial will be eligible to purchase FumeFX with a US$70 discount while CGS members will get the standard US$100 off the purchase price.
Hardware Requirements:
Students need a minimum 512mb RAM and a 2GHz+ CPU but as with all 3D, the more powerful the better!
A broadband connection will be needed for downloading the weekly video lessons.
Other Requirements
Students need to be familiar with web navigation and browsing, as well as email
Students need to be familiar with using a bulletin board system (such as CGTalk.com) as well as how to upload attachments to postings for review.
Extra Details
On Friday the 5th June (Australian time), all students enrolled will receive their 'Welcome to the Fume FX workshop' together with all the neccessary information regarding the downloading their 60 day trial of Fume FX.
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