patronus charm

[wwswimming]

Hello, I´m trying to make an effect similar to that used in the patronus charm in the harry potter and the order of phoenix movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGDM5svwFN4).
I read here in cg that it was made using houdini soft bodies, but I'm really a newbie in that program, so I been trying to do it using maya. I’ve been experimenting with fluids, and soft bodies, but not success so far.

Any idea on how can I achieve this kind of effect using maya (or houdini)?
I will really appreciate any help or guidance.

i've listened to the Books on Tape version of the Potter series more than once ... i'm quite familiar with the Patronus.

as far as what it should look like, besides a "solid ghost", you could use these websites for feedback
http://www.cosforums.com/index.php
http://www.leakylounge.com/index.php?

as far as "how to do it", i suggest the Maya Particles tutorial at Lynda.com
http://www.lynda.com/home/DisplayCourse.aspx?lpk2=582

that will get you a static Patronus; it would be your skill at particles that make it a dynamic (moving) Patronus.

[alfonsc]

More than the actual spell from Harry Potter what I’m going for is the effect, which I’m going to use in a short animation that I'm doing. Let’s see how it turns out.

Thank you very much for your help.

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