6) SideFX Houdini — procedural FX & studio pipelines
Strengths: Proceduralism, node-based workflows, unmatched for VFX (destruction, fluids, pyro, procedural asset generation). Ideal for FX artists and pipeline TDs. (YouTube)
Weaknesses: Steepest learning curve; best investment if your work requires procedural systems or studio-level FX.
SideFX Houdini — FX & film reel (studio demo)
(Source: SideFX / Houdini reel.) (YouTube)