NCCA becomes the world’s second Houdini Certified School

10 November 2009

BU's National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) has been commended for its use of Houndini animation software.

The National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) at BU has been named a Houdini Certified School, recognising the provision of the industry-leading 3D animation software on BU’s courses.

Houdini has been offered on the University’s popular MA Digital Effects and MSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects courses for the last seven years.

The award makes BU only the second Houdini Certified School in the world and the only university in the UK to actively engage students with the software as part of its animation degrees.

A high-end package developed by Side Effects, Houdini covers all the major areas of 3D production.

Many BU graduates have gone on to use Houdini in their careers, including John Hughes, who has worked as a digital effects artist and technical director on a variety of major motion pictures. These include Watchmen (2009), I Am Legend (2007) and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004).

Talli Peled graduated with an MA in Digital Effects in 2007 and has since worked on Batman Begins. She said: “One of the most impressive aspects of learning Houdini at BU was the sheer amount knowledge I acquired within a short period of time. After completing my course, I felt comfortable with Houdini and my understanding of the software wasn’t far from industry standards.”

She continued: “Houdini is a powerful programme, which is highly regarded among many of my colleagues. Being able to use it is a wonderful benefit because I know it will become a valuable skill for years to come. I feel very fortunate, reflecting on my BU experience, that I had the opportunity to use the software as it helped me get my foot into a very exciting industry.”

Phil Spicer, Programme Leader of the MA Digital Effects course said: “We have spent some years refining and perfecting our Houdini curriculum and passing our students’ Houdini output back to Side Effects Software for review and inclusion on its Student Showreel. This award therefore is a great recognition of our work and marks a significant step forward for both the NCCA and BU. We hope this partnership can continue and grow and that our investment in Houdini can be cultivated further.”