Side Effects Software Launches Houdini Apprentice Program

Santa Monica, CA - Side Effects Software, developer of theaward-winning Houdini family of 3D software, announced the launch ofthe Houdini Apprentice Program. This program includes the HoudiniApprentice Edition, a non-commercial version of the latest (5.5)Houdini family of products. Apprentice users can run the completefamily of products, which includes Houdini Master, a full-featuredanimation and effects package, Houdini Select, an entry-level 3Dmodule, and Houdini Halo, a stand-alone compositor. Houdini ApprenticeEdition is a 2-CD set.

The first "Install" CD contains the software and the second "Learn"CD is loaded with valuable self-study training resources to helpartists get up to speed with Houdini. The Houdini Apprentice Editionwill be available for the first time to all attendees of the HoudiniAnnual Meeting during SIGGRAPH in San Antonio, TX. The meeting willtake place on July 21, 2002 at 4:00PM. Event details and requiredregistration are available on-line at http://www.sidefx.com/events/sig02/sig02.html.

Unlike other software trial versions, Houdini Apprentice Editionoffers access to the complete, full-featured versions of the Houdinifamily of 3D software. Work created in the application can be saved toa special Houdini Apprentice format so that artists can develop realprojects with this free trial version of the software.

For customers choosing to purchase any commercial version of Houdiniafter building projects in Apprentice, Side Effects Software willconduct a one-time conversion of Houdini Apprentice files into thestandard Houdini production format at no additional cost. Thisconversion offer will be available to licensed users until December15th, 2002.

Side Effects Software is known for investing significant energy intobuilding and educating the Houdini community. The "Learn" CD in HoudiniApprentice Edition contains 24 self-running video training tutorialshosted by Side Effects Software production specialists covering theHoudini interface, modeling, animation, texturing, shading, effectscreation, rendering, and much more, all designed for the first-timeHoudini user.

The CD also includes print tutorials that walk the user through aseries of self-study lessons based on Side Effects Software's populartraining programs held on-site at their Santa Monica and Torontooffices. Numerous sample files are included on the disc, including avariety of effects and procedural techniques, from swarming simulationsusing particle systems, to rolling ocean waves and explosions, tocharacter animation projects, and much more.

The sample files are designed for the user to modify, and toencourage experimentation within the Houdini workflow. Several scriptswritten to automate Houdini processes in a pipeline environment, alongwith extensive product information also appear on the "Learn" CD.

To coincide with the release of Houdini Apprentice Edition, SideEffects Software will be launching a new Houdini community sectionon-line to facilitate the sharing of ideas and projects amongApprentice users at http://www.sidefx.com/community.

"We have a long legacy of encouraging a sense of community among ourexisting user base. With the launch of Houdini Apprentice, we areexcited to nurture a new group of 3D artists, whether they are trainingfor a new job opportunity, designing 3D for contest entries or simplydesigning 3D renderings for personal use," commented Paul Salvini, CTO,Side Effects Software.

"We developed the Houdini Apprentice Edition to allow people to gettheir hands on the software, take it home, play with it and experiencewhat Hollywood uses for professional 3D and effects."

For more information about Side Effects Software and its products,please visit http://www.sidefx.com.