Written by a team of highly qualified Kinetix-certified training specialists, this book is filled with proven, practical examples and exercises that teach novices and experienced users how to make MAX perform amazing animations and special effects, as used in the entertainment industry. Includes CD.

Make the Most of Today’s Leading Animation Package With release 4, max further establishes itself as today’s dominant modeling, animation, and rendering package. And with its fully revised and updated coverage, Mastering 3ds max 4 further establishes itself as the definitive max resource--just the book you need to master all the techniques supported by this powerful product. Inside, you’ll learn all about sculpting and texturing your characters, setting them in motion, lighting the scene, and producing the final animation--for movies, games, television, and the Web. You also get in-depth instruction in MAXScript, including detailed explanations of all that’s new to this release. Coverage includes: Understanding basic 3D concepts Modeling in polygons, patches, and NURBS Creating detailed models Optimizing models for low-poly environments Applying textures for real-time and pre-rendered output Animating using parametric animation, forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, and character studio Fine-tuning animation by editing keys and transitions Creating drama with lighting Applying post-process effects Cutting and cross-fading between shots Compositing in Video Post and combustion Exporting to Web 3D with Pulse Getting started with MAXScript Using scripting for scene manipulation Using scripting for animation Customizing the user interface Defining autostart scripts Creating your own plug-ins using MAXScript

Get professional training in 3ds Max from this Autodesk Official Training Guide Extremely popular with video game designers as well as architects, 3ds Max offers integrated 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing tools designed to streamline production. If you already have a working knowledge of 3ds Max basics, this official guide will take your skills to the next level. Detailed tutorials cover all the latest features of 3ds Max. From modeling, texturing, animation, and architectural visualization to high-level techniques for film, television, games, and more, this book provides professional-level instruction on 3ds Max. Those who are proficient in 3ds Max basics can take their 3D animation skills to the next level with this Autodesk Official Training Guide Offers industry-level training, with diverse tutorials that showcase techniques used in actual animations for games, film, TV, and architectural visualization Covers modeling, texturing, animation, visual effects, and high-level techniques as well as all the latest features of 3ds Max Also recommended as a preparation guide to Autodesk's 3ds Max Associate and Professional exams Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max will help intermediate to advanced 3ds Max users develop and sharpen their skills in this popular animation and effects software.

If you are new to Discreet combustion, or moving over to use this powerful animation and effects software from another effects package, then this is the book for you. It gives you all you need to know to get up and running with combustion, fast! It includes an overview of all the key features you need when starting out with simple and concise details on how to use them and how best to integrate the power of combustion into your workflow. An ideal Discreet combustion primer for computer graphics students or professionals with some prior experience in the field of computer graphics. Learn how to do many familiar concepts such as animating with paint and layers of video specifically in combustion. This guide will provide a jump-start into the major features of the software without going too in-depth about every single button in the program. Through the use of various samples and screen captures, you will learn why an artist would use one tool over another in addition to just what the different buttons do. Topics covered would include disciplines for motion graphics artists, broadcast designers, 3d animators, web artists, compositors and visual effects artists working for video and film based productions. People within the computer graphics industry of all sorts can take advantage of combustion because it is both a stand-alone application and also a bridge to several different disciplines including video editing, 3d animation, matte painting, 2d illustration and web design.

Software programs are complex, the books that explain them shouldn't be. This thoroughly illustrated, full-color guide explains everything you need to know to get up and running quickly with Combustion. Get a jump-start learning the major features or the software without bogging you down with unnecessary detail. The author shares his professional insight and extensive training experience to ensure you'll get the most out of all the professional paint, animation, editing and 3D compositing tools Combustion offers. Also featured are many workflow tips which show how to tap into the full power of Combustion 4 in your effects and motion graphics work. For useful tips and tutorials, visit the book's companion site at www.focalpress.com/companions/0240520106

Autodesk’s official guide to architectural visualization using 3ds Max Design Exclusively endorsed by Autodesk, this comprehensive tutorial and reference thoroughly covers 3ds Max Design, the 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software used for architectural visualizations. It also includes essential material for students preparing for the new Certified Associate and Certified Professional exams. Examples come from projects that architects, designers, and planners actually encounter each day, while the workflows and instructions have been tested in real-world applications. The official guide endorsed by Autodesk, with comprehensive information on using 3ds Max Design 2011 as well as achieving certification Features step-by-step instructions and real-world projects that readers will actually encounter Covers using the 3ds Max interface, working with Revit and AutoCAD files, using the data and scene management tools, modeling, simulating lighting effects, analyzing sustainable design features, setting up animated walkthroughs, and much more Explains how to render real-world surfaces with architectural material and how to choose the renderer that creates the desired effect Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 covers every facet of this powerful program.

Master 3D Studio VIZ Including All the New Features of Release 3 In Mastering 3D Studio VIZ 3, world-renowned AutoCAD expert George Omura teaches you every aspect of AutoDesk's powerful 3D design and modeling tool. Whether you're entirely new to VIZ or just want to get up to speed on the latest release, this book offers the explanations and clear, step-by-step instruction you need to put VIZ to work in even the most complex of design projects. Coverage includes: Finding your way around in VIZ Getting up to speed on the newest features Importing and exporting AutoCAD files Creating walls and doors Creating complex shapes Matching designs to background photographs Creating realistic and dramatic lighting effects Creating materials and applying materials to objects Creating geometry from bitmap images Basing designs on bitmap sketches Setting up animated walkthroughs Producing video output from animations Adding props to VIZ models Produce design presentation views-building elevations and top, front, and side views Placing sunlight for sun-shadow studies Using image editing programs in conjunction with VIZ Using AutoCAD in conjunction with VIZ Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

This official guide to Shout3D provides a 32-page full-color section showing readers the projects presented in the book. The CD-ROM includes all the code used in the book, a full-strength demo version of the product, animations, plus programming and animation tools and plug-ins.

The only comprehensive tutorial/reference exclusively devoted to Autodesk's robust architectural visualization software 3ds Max Design is a powerful real-time 3D design, modeling, and animation tool for architectural visualizations. This book covers all the software's crucial features, including how to simulate and analyze sun, sky, and artificial light-crucial factors for sustainable design-and how to define and assign realistic materials and work with AutoCAD and Revit files. You'll quickly learn how to get the most from this powerful software's 3D modeling, animation, and rendering capabilities. McFarland is an Autodesk Authorized Author with professional experience in creating complex visualizations for a large property development company. His real-world focus means workflows and instructions are professional and proven, and projects will include those that pros work on every day. Uses actual examples from the author's experience, including retail spaces, small offices, residential developments, and more Concise explanations, focused examples, step-by-step instructions, and hands-on tutorials teach the basics and fine points of the software Covers all the essential features, such as how to simulate and analyze sun, sky, and artificial light Demonstrates efficient use of the interface; how to work with Revit and AutoCAD files; using data, scene management, and solid modeling tools; rendering real-world surfaces; and setting up animated walkthroughs Mastering 3ds Max Design 2010 provides a practical education in using this powerful architectural visualization tool.

This book's subtitle is "beginning with the end in mind", and it offers the beginning 3D Studio Max user basic design principles, as well as techniques for getting ideas out of the brain onto the computer screen. Chapters include information on: Backgrounds, Set design and modeling, Props and secondary scene elements, Camera set-up and movement, Lighting, Creating 3D depth, Texturing & reflection, Specific material development, Dirt, wear and tear, Smoke, water and other special effects, Character design & animation, Video post-production, Making a demo reel, and Getting a job as a CGI artist/animator. The CD includes source files for the exercises, plug-ins and a gallery of high-end 3D Studio work.