ZOOM

This included bringing MetaHuman facial animation into Houdini, developing groom setups for hair, and converting a wide range of assets and materials to function consistently within USD.

In addition, the project explored APEX-based animation for a mechanical system, featuring articulated back spines that roll and unfold over time. Material variations were animated across frames to support visual progression and rhythm. Overall, the project emphasized interoperability, procedural control, and flexibility across character animation, rigging, materials, and layout within a multi-shot context.

Rather than following a linear narrative, the project was shaped around mood, pacing, and visual contrast, allowing individual shots to function as expressive moments that respond directly to the music.

The creative process was highly iterative, starting with loose visual ideas and gradually refining them through timing, animation, and material exploration. Visual motifs and mechanical elements were introduced to support the music’s structure, with repetition and variation used to reinforce rhythm and progression. The back-spine system, for example, was designed to roll and unfold in sync with movement and beats, acting as both a visual accent and a structural element.

A key part of the process was ensuring that all elements, character performance, mechanical motion, hair grooms, and materials—could be adjusted flexibly throughout production. This allowed for continuous refinement as the edit evolved, making it possible to respond quickly to changes in timing, framing, and musical emphasis. Overall, the project prioritized a balance between procedural control and artistic intent, using technical workflows to support expressive, music-driven visuals.