Riccardo Zanarini
VFX Houdini Tutor
London
Summary
Dynamic VFX professional with a strong background as an FX TD at Milk VFX, specializing in Houdini simulations. A collaborative team player, adept at mentoring and enhancing productivity through innovative tools. Proven ability to simplify complex workflows, ensuring high-quality visual effects under tight deadlines. Passionate about teaching and empowering the next generation of artists.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
VFX Houdini Tutor
Escape Studios
09.2024 - Current
- Teaching Houdini and FX workflows to undergraduate students
- Designing and delivering lesson content aligned with industry standards
- Providing 1:1 mentoring and feedback on student projects
FX TD
Milk VFX
04.2022 - 09.2024
- Created simulations for film and episodic productions
- Built HDAs and tools to improve team productivity
- Collaborated with departments for seamless FX pipeline integration
3D Studios Assistant
Escape Studios
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Technical and artistic assistance to students using Houdini, Maya, Substance Painter, and 3DEqualizer.
- Responsible for Houdini short course teaching assistance.
Education
Master of Arts - VFX
Master of Arts, MA VFX
London 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design, Advertising & Multimedia
AANT, Accademia Delle Arti E Nuove Tecnologie
Rome, Italy 05.2001 -
Skills
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal communication
- Proficient in Houdini, experienced with a wide variety of simulations
- Problem-solving and debugging complex VFX workflows, developed through hands-on teaching experience and production work
- Ability to break down complex technical concepts and explain them clearly
- Adaptable and quick learner, able to work efficiently under deadlines
- Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality visual effects
- Experienced in mentoring and supporting students and junior artists
Timeline
VFX Houdini Tutor
Escape Studios
09.2024 - Current
FX TD
Milk VFX
04.2022 - 09.2024
3D Studios Assistant
Escape Studios
09.2021 - 04.2022
Master of Arts - VFX
Master of Arts, MA VFX
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design, Advertising & Multimedia
AANT, Accademia Delle Arti E Nuove Tecnologie
05.2001 -
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