SideFX’s Project Greylight, spearheaded by VFX Supervisor Andreas Weidman, is a powerful addition to Houdini’s toolkit for artists working in VFX, real-time graphics, and game development. This free, artist-friendly package builds on Houdini’s Solaris (USD-based lighting and layout) framework, delivering tools aimed at improving workflows without the need for custom pipelines. Targeted at indie creators, studios, and students, it includes a five-HDA (Houdini Digital Asset) toolkit, project files, and comprehensive guides. Artists can download the tools now from SideFX or explore further details on Weidman’s Patreon page. (The download is and will remain free – the Patreon community is around it, and offers additional sources, tutorials, mentorships and other things)
About Andreas Weidman
With over two decades in the industry, Andreas Weidman has contributed to projects like The Mandalorian, Westworld, and Fear the Walking Dead. An early adopter of Solaris, he developed Project Greylight in collaboration with SideFX to address inefficiencies in USD workflows, multi-shot management, and lighting setups. Through his Patreon, Weidman also offers tutorials, bespoke workflow solutions, and insights into simplifying complex VFX processes.
Key Features of Project Greylight
- Streamlined Solaris Workflows: The toolkit focuses on improving multi-shot organization, version control, and USD department layers.
- User-Friendly Setup: Pre-configured project management tools allow for rapid folder structuring, asset ingestion, and pipeline setup, eliminating common frustrations in production workflows.
- Procedural Animation and Layout: Artists can easily handle shot-specific lighting setups, camera layouts, and animation rigging, all while working directly within Solaris.
- Unreal Engine Compatibility: Seamless integration with Houdini Engine ensures smooth export workflows for real-time graphics projects.
- Learning Resources: The package includes demo files and walkthroughs, offering a hands-on approach to learning advanced workflows without prior expertise in Solaris or USD.
Workshops and Community Impact
Weidman presented Project Greylight at the Houdini HIVE Horizon 2024 in Toronto, showcasing its capacity to empower independent artists and smaller teams. The workshop covered USD essentials, toolkit functionality, and strategies for creating production-ready setups. His contributions exemplify a move toward democratizing advanced VFX workflows for those without access to large-scale proprietary tools.
Download and Pricing
The toolkit is free and available on the SideFX website. While robust and reliable, users are advised to test the tools in their specific pipelines before heavy deployment to avoid potential disruptions.
Looking Forward
Project Greylight represents a blend of Weidman’s practical expertise and SideFX’s commitment to improving VFX workflows. It’s not just about features but about simplifying the lives of production artists. For those ready to dive deeper, Weidman’s Patreon offers personalized support, making advanced VFX pipelines more accessible than ever.
Get started today, but as always, ensure the tools fit your project’s specific needs before full implementation.
