This first session of the Maya Advanced Modeling curriculum will introduce you to Maya's robust polygonal modeling toolset, and is the only video out there showing you every single tool available within Maya (version 7.0), and giving you solid examples on how you can use them. After this solid introduction, you'll complete your first model, the SOCOM pistol complete with silencer and under-barrel Laser Aiming Module (LAM)! Throughout the videos, you'll learn smooth and lower-poly workflows, as well as how to employ a wide variety of tools and techniques!

In this DVD, John presents the process of creating an underwater effects shot, thoroughly explaining each step of the process from inception to completion. Starting with an ocean bottom and a camera move, John shows how to create underwater atmospheric conditions such as floating particulate matter, photo-real bubbles, water fog and caustic light rippling down through a wavy sea surface. John then uses Maya's Dynamics system to build additional elements into the shot, demonstrating their use within the shot environment. He shows how to use springs and goals to create an anchor and dynamic rope dropping to the sea floor, as well as how to use particle instancing with goals to create dynamic schools of fish. John then walks you through the final steps to create flowing sea grass and billowing sand when the sea bottom is disturbed. By the end of this DVD you will not only have a completed shot ready for fine-tuning and compositing, you will also have the ability to create your own fantastic underwater shots.

In this two-disc set, Mark Lefitz creates a fully realized 3D model from an original concept painting by Feng Zhu. He discusses the analysis and setup of the shot, and demonstrates his techniques for efficiently creating a 3D environment using Maya?s polygon and NURBS tool-kit. Mark explains scene blocking, using animated cameras and their attributes, and how to integrate an animated object in the scene. He manipulates Maya fluids to show how to achieve the desired 3D sky environment, and shows some of his techniques for using painted textures and properly applying UVs. With a painted map from the scene, Mark breaks down the various components and shows how to apply layers to Maya shaders for maximum effect. In Shake, Mark demonstrates the use of Depth, Normals and Occlusion passes, and how to manipulate them in the comp to achieve atmosphere and zblur. Lastly, he explains how to use ambient occlusion as a method for Global Illumination, and discusses the initial setup and optimization for this pass and its integration into the final comp.

This first session of the Maya Advanced Modeling curriculum will introduce you to Maya's robust polygonal modeling toolset, and is the only video out there showing you every single tool available within Maya (version 7.0), and giving you solid examples on how you can use them. After this solid introduction, you'll complete your first model, the SOCOM pistol complete with silencer and under-barrel Laser Aiming Module (LAM)! Throughout the videos, you'll learn smooth and lower-poly workflows, as well as how to employ a wide variety of tools and techniques!

Over the past many years, Maya has become the leading 3D application used in the film, broadcast and game industries. Hailed for its diverse toolset, Maya excels due to its integration, flexibility and performance in regards to modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, animation, rigging and effects. Designed for the individual new to Maya, this DVD contains over five hours of lecture. The essential UI (user interface) is discussed, focusing on the work- flow of an experienced user. Learn how to efficiently create, manipulate and organize hierarchies, objects, components and cameras. Many concepts are introduced including the use of Polygons versus NURBS, tesselation, antialiasing, UV Layout, projects, preferences and MEL scripts. Customization of the UI is also addressed in order to dramatically improve efficiency and workflow.

Learn how to use real world physics to drive advanced simulations within Maya. Use fields like gravity and vortex to create incredibly realistic reactions between objects. Take advantage of constraints to create working catapults that can hurl boulders through the air. Or shake thing up with a massive wrecking ball. Maya Physical Dynamics teaches you quickly and easily how to harness the power of Maya to create amazing simulations.

In this DVD, John presents the process of creating an underwater effects shot, thoroughly explaining each step of the process from inception to completion. Starting with an ocean bottom and a camera move, John shows how to create underwater atmospheric conditions such as floating particulate matter, photo-real bubbles, water fog and caustic light rippling down through a wavy sea surface. John then uses Maya's Dynamics system to build additional elements into the shot, demonstrating their use within the shot environment. He shows how to use springs and goals to create an anchor and dynamic rope dropping to the sea floor, as well as how to use particle instancing with goals to create dynamic schools of fish. John then walks you through the final steps to create flowing sea grass and billowing sand when the sea bottom is disturbed. By the end of this DVD you will not only have a completed shot ready for fine-tuning and compositing, you will also have the ability to create your own fantastic underwater shots.

This training is for Maya artists interested in learning SOFTIMAGE|XSI. In a fast but effective way you will quickly start working in SOFTIMAGE|XSI just as if you were working in Maya. Learn how to use your skills in SOFTIMAGE|XSI as fast as possible.

If you want to learn how to use Maya's NURBS modeling tools for animation, visual effects, and games, this DVD is for you! This new edition has been revised and expanded to include: creating boundary surfaces, sculpting with Maya Artisan, understanding UV surface coordinates, and much more!

If you want to learn how to use Maya's NURBS modeling tools for animation, visual effects, and games, this DVD is for you! This new edition has been revised and expanded to include: creating boundary surfaces, sculpting with Maya Artisan, understanding UV surface coordinates, and much more!

This course introduces the features of the V-Ray 2.0 rendering engine and demonstrates how to extend the range of Maya with its state-of-the-art tools, such as irradiance mapping, fur and hair textures and shaders, and stereoscopic 3D rendering. The course covers critical concepts such as creating basic materials, image sampling, color mapping, subdivs, and lighting, as well as the Render Elements, RT, and physical rendering workflows in V-Ray. Exercise files are included with the course.

Include: 1) 3D Content Creation - Autodesk Maya 2) Character Design & Integration with Maya 3) Maya 2011 - Interface 4) Maya 2011 - Basic Modeling 5) Maya 2011 - Basic Texturing 6) Maya 2011 - Intermediate Exercise 7) Advanced Character Animation With Maya