HS-126: Quick Pyro & Destruction (04/18/26)
In this course, Kabdebó will lead you step by step through his process of creating a quick destruction and Pyro FX setup in Houdini.
Course Overview
Live Demo + Q&A
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All live classes are recorded and posted within 1-2 business days.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm PST
Class Description:
In this beginner course, FX artist Tamás will lead you step by step through his process of creating a quick destruction and Pyro FX setup in Houdini, from geometry preparation and fracture setup to simulation, caching, and final rendering in Karma. You will learn how to build your own RBD and Pyro setups, prepare assets for simulation, configure solvers, and develop polished final renders with materials, lighting, and an environment.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the class, you will be able to prepare geometry for fracture and simulation, create and control RBD constraints and Bullet solver setups, cache and optimize simulation workflows, build and art direct Pyro FX simulations, configure Pyro on CPU and GPU, and render RBD and Pyro elements in Karma with materials, lighting, and an environment.
Course Materials
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Session Zoom Link
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Session 1 Outline
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Submit your work
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Quick Pyro & Destruction
- $40.00
Session 1
Destruction & Pyro Basics with a CG Pyromaniac
Tamás will lead you step by step through the process of creating destruction and Pyro FX shots in Houdini using RBD and Pyro. You will follow his approach, from setup and simulation through caching, look development, and final rendering in Karma.
- Geometry preparation for material fracture
- Material setup for Karma
- Fracturing types and methods (old and new solutions)
- Constraint setup and configuration
- RBD Configure (Attributes)
- RBD Bullet Solver setup
- Caching options for RBD
- RBD Cache setup for Pyro
- Geometry preparation and attribute cleanup for Pyro
- Setting up sources for Pyro (mask, noise, etc.)
- Collider setup for Pyro
- Configuring the Pyro solver (CPU and GPU)
- Pyrobake render setup for Karma
- Rendering RBD and Pyro assets in Karma
- Lighting setup
- Environment setup
- Render settings and final output
Instructor
Kabdebó Tamás Sándor
FX Artist
Kabdebó Tamás Sándor is a self-taught freelance FX Artist based in Budapest, Hungary, specializing in destruction, smoke, and fire simulations. He began his VFX career in 2016 as a junior compositor at Melon FX, where he quickly discovered his passion for 3D. Initially working in Cinema 4D, Kabdebó transitioned to Houdini around 2021 in search of greater flexibility for complex simulations, particularly in pyro effects. Mentored by Máté Birkás, he has since worked on a wide range of freelance projects across film, music videos, and international productions spanning American, French, and Australian clients.
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE THIS COURSE
- A computer (see SideFX system requirements)
- A second monitor (recommended)
- Houdini 21 (Apprentice License is free)
- Our live courses qualify you for a student license at $75 per year. Please contact [email protected] to get access.
- Headphones, microphone, and webcam (If you do not have a webcam, you can use your phone!) *optional, for live participation*.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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REFUND POLICY:
Live-Session Courses
Students may request a refund up to 1 day before the start of the course. Students may also withdraw from Live-Session Courses at any time and are entitled to a pro-rated refund. The withdrawal date must be 1 day before the next class they intend to drop.
On-Demand Courses
All on-demand courses are non-refundable.
Refund a Class
Please send a request to get a refund via email to [email protected].
Your written request to drop any or all of your classes must include:
- Student’s full name
- Name of the course(s) being dropped