FX Foundations
Become an FX artist by building your industry skills at a Houdini Certified School
Online FX course taught by film and game industry artists
Enter the dynamic world of FX for film, TV, and video games. Learn how to navigate SideFX Houdini - software used in studios worldwide - and harness the power of procedural, node-based workflow techniques to create destruction, explosions, and water simulations.
Why study Houdini FX at CG Spectrum:
- Learn from FX artists who have worked on big films & games
- Train on industry software at a Houdini Certified School
- Get the latest skills studios are hiring for
- Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)
Guided by a professional FX artist, you'll practice simulations for cloth, hair, and grains. You will also gain insights into how to optimize your render times to create more impressive and complex scenes that you can use in your portfolio.
Your pathway to the film and games industry
The 9-month Foundations Course is the first half of our Career Track, helping you pave your pathway into the creative industries. Gain foundational skills and knowledge that will prepare you for advanced industry training.
Daniel Hourigan
Daniel is a senior Houdini FX artist with 15 years of experience working on blockbusters such as Terminator: Dark Fate, John Wick 3, Aquaman, The Wolverine, and Game of Thrones.
Manager of VFX
Known for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
Ben Fox
Ben's worked on high-profile commercials and Unreal Engine VR experiences for projects like Game of Thrones, Interstellar and Ready Player One.
Mentor of Houdini FX
Known for Interstellar VR
Kate Xagoraris
Kate is a VFX artist in the motion picture industry. She primarily works with Houdini, and in her spare time runs a blog based on incorporating scientific ideas in VFX, and general Houdini tips.
Mentor of Houdini FXhoudini
Known for The Boys
I'm so glad I've chosen CG Spectrum's FX course.
I can honestly say that the amount I've learned in a year studying here is more than I could've ever learned in a traditional school or by myself. The mentors are incredibly knowledgeable about their field, and they're very helpful and patient. You get to be a part of an incredible community of talented students and mentors, I think that's one of the biggest advantages that this school offers.
I went from knowing nothing about FX, to receiving job offers within 6 months of study with CG Spectrum!
I was blown away by the level of personal interaction the 1-on-1 mentorship provides. Having a direct line to an industry veteran as my mentor has been an invaluable resource and has taken my rate of learning to the next level.
I’m not only learning the essentials of VFX but also key networking tips from my mentor.
I started CG Spectrum with no experience in visual effects. In my opinion, the education with CG Spectrum is the closest to giving me actual industry experience since I’m working alongside an industry vet whilst being taught the fundamentals of my trade. I can comfortably say I have more of a "peer to peer" relationship rather than "teacher to student", making it really easy to share my work and expect solid criticism.
I am very excited about how much I have achieved!
Self-teaching is cool if you don't mind getting no interaction or help, and learning older versions of the software. Thankfully, CG Spectrum has given me the total opposite and an opportunity to push myself every step closer to the industry. With great resources at CG Spectrum, I learned not only my craft, but also how to prepare myself to be industry-ready.
