od[force]: I see. What I'd like to ask you now is some generic stuff about the technical environment, that is, what applications and operating systems are you using in your daily work?
Andy Boyd: Our render farm is Linux, our workstations are Windows (soon to be Linux). Software is Houdini, Maya, Shake, After Effects, Photoshop, but most 2D comps are done in Flame.

od[force]: How would you describe Houdini's place (as a tool), among Maya and XSI?
Andy Boyd: That is a hard one as every one is different in their way of working. I would say that if you are tired of writing MEL scrips to do tricky stuff or can't write your own C++ plugins, use Houdini. If you want to have the procedural flexibility in your workflow, use Houdini. If you want to be on the beach on the weekends and not fighting with Maya to get what you want, use Houdini!

od[force]: You seem quite enthusiastic about Houdini and it is great to hear that. Now, let's suppose at some moment you want to go freelancing or to open your own small shop (you and 2 friends). Would you think of going with Houdini as the primary package for the shop?
Andy Boyd: Absolutely, but I think I would have still a few Maya's as there are so many freelancers that know it.

od[force]: So the reason would be availability of people, not technical?
Andy Boyd: Try to find a good animator/rigger for Houdini and you can chose between 3 people! For Maya you have 10% of the world population!!

od[force]: That is true. Speaking of that, did you use Houdini on character jobs at Framestore or Method?
Andy Boyd: Only for the rendering of the fur. Calin Casian rigged the wolf for me, on the Rexona project when I was at Framestore - that was the only one.

od[force]: Why? because the character pipeline was already based on Maya?
Andy Boyd: Yes, all the character people knew Maya.

od[force]: So do you feel the only reason for Houdini not being used more for characters is inertia and general industry acceptance? Do you think there are also technical reasons?
Andy Boyd: Yes, I think it might also be easier in Maya - if you are a student who wants to animate and you prime concern is getting a job you most likely will go for Maya or XSI.