Academic · MA Digital Effects · Simulation

Slime — Procedural Growth Simulation

I developed a signature-shot VFX system inspired by slime-mould growth, handling research, procedural design, simulation, matchmove, rendering and compositing.

Client
Bournemouth University

Year
2022

Tools
Houdini · Nuke · PFTrack · VDB simulation

The brief

Create an organic creature that spreads through a scientist’s environment with a recognisable growth logic rather than a generic particle treatment.

My role

All aspects: research, procedural system design, simulation, matchmove, look development, rendering and compositing.

Outcome

A distinctive effects study that developed technical confidence in Houdini while retaining a clear visual concept.

01 · Signature shot

Alien behaviour inspired by slime mould

The creature is based on real slime-mould fungi: eukaryotic organisms that can exist as single cells yet form complex spreading networks.

The shot follows a scientist who becomes fascinated and then alarmed as the organism begins to spread through the laboratory.

02 · System design

Procedural growth with Houdini hair guides and VDBs

The effect combines VDB simulation, Houdini hair-guide tools and shortest-path techniques to create branching movement. Slime mould is challenging to reproduce because its apparent problem-solving behaviour cannot be reduced to a simple radial spread.

Reference research, layered growth passes and extensive simulation testing were used to develop a more convincing final structure.