Houdini has long been a dominant tool used in the creation of some of the most awe-inspiring animation and cinematic effects ever made. It is preferred by numerous studios for their most demanding challenges. If you go to the theater and see something that blows your mind, it is a good bet that Houdini had a hand in it. Now you can conquer the amazing technology of Houdini with confidence. With this book, you will learn how to apply each of Houdini?s breathtaking features to your projects as you take on modeling, character animation, particle effects animation, dynamic simulation animation, shading, digital asset creation, and rendering. The Magic of Houdini is full of exercises, tips, and illustrations to help you tackle each new skill. Get ready to experience the mystery, the majesty, the magic of Houdini!