HOUDINI BATTLE #20
Details
Welcome to Houdini Battle, where 4 players compete live and show off their talent. Each battle’s theme will remain secret until we start, then each player will have 1 hour to create a work of art. You as our audience will choose the winner at the end. Join us!
Discord link: [https://discord.gg/pDTXa43 ](https://discord.gg/pDTXa43)
Watch past battles: [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_KU7tFvuDG83UYwKGBMxp5b67aC6E-fn ](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_KU7tFvuDG83UYwKGBMxp5b67aC6E-fn)
The Players
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Andrew Weiler
Andrew Weiler began his career in VFX for TV shows like Star Trek and commercials at Digital Muse and Rhythm & Hues in Los Angeles. He later worked as a CG Supervisor at Turner Studios/Warner Media in Atlanta, overseeing projects for Turner/Warner entertainment brands. Recently, he contributed to the award-winning CGI promo launch for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on TNT at Warner Bros Discovery. Now back in freelancing, Andrew focuses on commercial VFX, motion design, and branding projects while developing "Rings of Saturn," a Houdini training platform.
Maria Sahai
Maria Sahai is passionate about Houdini, working on FX for movies and TV shows and developing training for companies and universities worldwide. Her recent work includes "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," "Dune: Part Two," "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," and "Meg 2: The Trench," along with various TV series on Netflix, Amazon, National Geographic, and Epix. With her partner Karim Sahai, Maria runs VFX Mojo, offering masterclasses and courses in Houdini and Nuke across Southeast Asia, Sweden, Norway, France, India, and the Middle East.
Company website
Personal website
Andrew Muron
Andrew "Drewzee" Muron is a versatile artist who has transitioned from a solo music act and touring with Skrillex to producing Super Bowl commercial songs and writing for artists like Lauv and Imagine Dragons. During the pandemic, he pursued his childhood dream of visual effects, exploring various render engines and DCC tools before settling on Houdini. His playful perspective is evident in his contributions to the Houdini 20 Sneak Peek, including the furry character and several animations. Drewzee is now deeply immersed in the world of Houdini, treating each day as a new CGI adventure.
Joey Bryars
Joey Bryars is a freelance Motion Designer/FX Artist based in Los Angeles. He began his career in graphic design but has spent the last six years specializing in motion design and effects, working on music videos, concert visuals, social content, and ads. His clients include Travis Scott, Kodak Black, Boyz Noize Records, and Finish Line. After teaching himself Houdini three years ago, Joey gravitated toward VFX and interned at SideFX, enhancing his Houdini skills. He has since returned to freelance work, focusing on advertising and music. STOKED TO BATTLE!!
The Commentators
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David Torno
David Torno, a self-taught VFX professional, thrives on the technical and educational aspects of the industry. With over two decades of experience, he has contributed to films, commercials, music videos, and multimedia projects. Currently teaches at Houdini.School, and offers tutoring and training through FendraFx.com.
Divyansh Mishra
Divyansh Mishra is a Technical Artist mainly focused on tool building and automation with a background in design, science, and programming. He is currently a Technical Artist Engineer II at Amazon Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics.
The Host
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Debra Isaac
Debra Isaac is a Visual Artist, Animator, and the Founder of Houdini.School and works at SideFX as their Community Mentor. She loves community building, and co-organizes The Los Angeles Houdini User group (LAHUG). She has over 10 years of experience teaching Houdini and currently teaches Houdini at Drexel University. She is passionate about scientific visualization, motion graphics, and emerging technologies.
HOUDINI BATTLE #20