Go Behind This Insane Houdini Short Film with Simon Holmedal

Simon Holmendahl, the creative force behind Panoply, isn’t just pushing the boundaries of motion graphics; he’s redefining them. From his early days experimenting with Cinema 4D to his current mastery of Houdini, Simon’s journey is a testament to artistic curiosity and craftsmanship. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Simon to dissect his latest project, Manifold, and explore the intricate world of his creative process.

Meet Simon Holmedal

Simon Holmedal is a director at Panoply, a cutting-edge motion design and 3D animation studio known for its visually stunning and technically complex work. Simon brings ambitious concepts to life for brands like Apple, Marvel, Amazon, and ESPN. With a career spanning over a decade, he has built a reputation as a problem solver and technical artist, blending his deep understanding of procedural design with a passion for pushing creative boundaries.

He started his journey in motion graphics at a young age, interning at his brother’s company, StyleWar, where he first encountered the possibilities of digital design. After formal studies in graphic design and motion graphics in Sweden, he quickly made a name for himself—first at ManvsMachine, where he was an early team member, and later as a driving force behind Panoply’s ambitious projects.

Behind-The-Scenes of Manifold

Simon sat down with Nick Campbell to take us behind-the-scenes of Manifold. This short film isn’t just a visual spectacle; it’s a conceptual exploration. This project, like the name of his studio suggests, is a true panoply of visual techniques and creative problem-solving.

Simon generously shared insights into his creative process, revealing the organic evolution of Manifold. He started with the idea of intersecting dimensions and driving simulations with something different. This led to experimenting with Vellum, building a 3D scanner, and seamlessly linking various elements through shared rotations. Simon’s approach highlights the importance of experimentation and embracing the unexpected.

Storytelling with Materials and Lighting

Simon walked us through his lighting choices, emphasizing the power of a well-placed light and the impact of silhouette. He discussed his preference for minimal lighting setups, allowing the story to dictate the illumination. He also showcased his use of Greyscalegorilla materials, like hammered metal and performance fabrics, adapted and blended to create unique textures and effects, even incorporating live data feeds into his materials.

The Houdini Revelation

Simon’s journey from Cinema 4D to Houdini wasn’t just about switching tools—it was about breaking past creative limitations. While he was always at the forefront of C4D’s capabilities, pushing Xpresso and dynamics to their limits, he found himself constantly running into walls with complex procedural setups.

The turning point came when he worked on a project involving dynamic subdivisions. After painstakingly building it in Cinema 4D with Xpresso, he saw how effortlessly the same system was replicated in Houdini—only faster, more flexible, and instantly reusable. That was the moment Simon realized the power of Houdini’s procedural workflow. It wasn’t just about speed; it was about future-proofing his work, creating tools that could be reused effortlessly.

While Cinema 4D has evolved significantly, incorporating more procedural elements, Simon’s shift to Houdini allowed him to build the kinds of modular, scalable systems that define his signature work today.

The Power of Curiosity

Simon Holmedal’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring 3D artists everywhere. His willingness to experiment, embrace new technologies, and share his knowledge makes him a true innovator in the field. Manifold is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative potential of Houdini. Inspired? Check out the full version of Manifold and discover more of their captivating work.