Basic knowledge of Python and understanding of object-oriented programming is recommended as the whole Python component is completely concentrated on how Python works in Houdini and understanding the Houdini Object Model. In this part, we will go over manipulating nodes, parameters and geometry using Python, as well as reading a big data set in Houdini to create a render of a country’s city lights seen during the night from space. In the final exercise, we will create a shelf tool that will gather every Geometry ROP in the scene, create Fetch ROP for each one of them, and finally merge them together to have a convenient way to cache all the geometry.

Jeronimo Maggi started his career as a 3D generalist and has been working with Houdini as an FX Artist for the last 4 years. He worked for several years in the education field teaching Houdini and currently works in Method Studios Vancouver as an FX TD. Aside from Houdini, he is also programs in Python and enjoys creating tools to speed up workflows.