This is Chris's first lecture in a series on character animation using Maya. In this lecture Chris introduces the basics of feature film style character animation. Starting with the bouncing ball and then moving on to using a character rig, Chris gives you a guided tour of the inner workings of Maya, covering the interface and how to develop good workflow habits.
The knowledge and understanding of NURBS based 3D design modeling is a crucial step in the mastery of modern design and production techniques. StudioTools is an industry standard program that helps release your creative ideas. Henry lays the foundation needed to understand this program’s rich and detailed features. Methods are covered in detail and the curves you need to create the example model are supplied. This puts the focus on creating surfaces and troubleshooting. This DVD is intended for beginners and as a refresher course for professionals. At the end of the lecture you will have a visually complex, richly detailed model to inspire further learning of the software.
In this lecture, Matt Hartle will lead you through the steps necessary to produce a finished visual effects shot from conception to the final composited rendering. Along the way we will examine modeling, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering using Mental Ray. We will then composite the rendered layers in After Effects, using a 3D composition with a camera exported from Maya. By bringing in the camera from Maya we will be able to integrate photographed elements with our rendered elements to create a final composite. Render layers from our Maya scene will include beauty, ambient occlusion, particles, ground fog and color alpha among others.
In this DVD, John presents the entire process of creating an outer space effects sequence. Starting with a space ship and a camera move, John takes the viewer through a step-by-step look at how to create a sequence that includes following a space ship as it breaks free of a tractor beam, launches out of planetary orbit, then flies through a field of asteroids and starbirth nebula clouds. John uses Maya's Dynamics system to build elements in the shots, demonstrating their use within the shot environment. He shows how to use cloud particles as a volume surface on which to project shaders to simulate nebulas that can be both stunning backgrounds and realistic clouds that can be flown through. John also walks you through a series of simple effects that add dynamic detail to the shots: sprite-stars, tractor beams, explosions, an energy field and an asteroid field. This lecture will enable you to create fantastic outer space shots that push the scope of imagination.