In this training series we will explore the main areas of the Maya's dynamics engine. We will begin with basic particle emission and we will build up week after week working on more elaborate setups that will showcase the power and versatility of effects animation within Maya. The focus of this course is to teach our students how to analyze a particular effect and determine the most time/cost effective way to achieve it.

We will cover generic effects setups for natural phenomena, deformable geometry and basic crowd behaviors while always aiming towards a solid understanding of the core concepts and how to adapt them to suit a variety of situations. We will explore advanced particle behavior and expanding the use of fluids simulations in our effects. Students will also cover how to use Maya's Nucleus Solver to create optimised simulations connecting cloth, nParticles and fluid elements. We will pay close attention to the use of Maya fluids and the possible applications not only as renderable elements, but also as forces acting on particles and deformable objects.

Students will be shattering and simulating Rigid Body Dynamics using PulldownIt, an advanced solver used in production for the films John Carter of Mars, Harry Potter 7 & 8 amongst others. MEL Scripting, a fundamental area of effects animation, will be covered and this will open a new world of possibilities for controlling and adapting simulations. We will learn to use MEL to create dynamic rigs and to help deal with repetitive tasks. As with any course in VFX Learning, we will analyze effects sequences from films, study them and determine the most cost effective way to achieve similar looks. At the end of this level, students will have a broad knowledge of the dynamics engine in Maya and overall FX procedures and techniques.

Students will end up with a shots and simulations ready for their showreel and will be able to use the techniques learned to push their personal work to the next level.

Topics Covered