This book includes concise screenshot-illustrated methods in a handy reference format. It offers techniques undocumented in any other book. The author is a seasoned pro and Houdini production consultant. Houdini is an award winning 3D and visual effects software package that is renowned for its particle effects and dynamic simulation animations. A mainstay tool of the largest Hollywood studios, it has recently been used in the production of "The Polar Express", "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Most Houdini users are experienced visual effects artists that can readily adapt to the Houdini interface. The book is written for this sophisticated user base that does not need a walk-thru of the user interface or other introductory processes. It skips the basics in order to focus on the techniques that the power users of the application know and use on a daily basis to unleash the power of the application.