Product Description

This exceptional, full-colour Autodesk Maya Press title - produced by Autodesk, the software's creators - uses Sony's full-length animated "Open Season" for the book's all-new hands-on tutorials for Maya 8. By following the step-by-step tutorials, readers will learn the Maya interface and the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects using real-world production files from a full-length feature film. The DVD provides further reinforcement with instructor-led tutorial videos and other resources for extended learning.

With this book readers will:

• Become familiar with the Maya User Interface
• Work in 3D space
• Model with NURBS (Spline)
• Model with Polygons
• Set Keyframes and Motion Paths
• Learn to use Trax Non-linear animation
• Apply Forward and Inverse Kinematics
• Deform surfaces
• Set cameras and lights
• Create Shaders and Textures
• Discover rendering techniques
• Explore particles and Dynamics
• Begin to use MEL (Maya Embedded Language)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51219 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 640 pages

Review
This full-color guide for beginners to all versions of Maya 8 (Complete, Unlimited, and Personal Learning Edition) features real-world images and examples from Open Season, a Sony Pictures Animation Inc. film. Its DVD contains Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, project files, an excerpt and interviews from the film, and instructor-led project overviews. Its web site contains updates. Heavily illustrated step-by-step instructions make this a good self-study choice and a good purchase for all medium and larger libraries. (Library Journal, January 15, 2007)

Customer Reviews

Fast service.
All was good, but I think the CD cracked at some point. :'( Otherwise, very satisfied. :-)

Maya 8 /Foundation
This is absolutely the first book on Maya anyone should have. It is aimed toward the beginner with many practical exercises. The DVD contains all the material you will need to complete the projects as well as sketch pad software. The book assumes you know how to navigate the Maya user interface. I would recommend working though the tutorials that come with the software first.

Very good book
Sometime ago I had 3D Maya 8 classes, but then after finishing it, my mistake, I didn't go on with practice and happened to forget lots of things (95% of all, I bet). Then I bought this book and now I can say I'm truly learning it properly, the book is complete, step by step you can feel you're making some very good progress (and it's really fast). It comes with a DVD which you can also have video classes about all lessons and interviews with 2 Sony Pictures' professionals who worked in the feature film "Open Season". Really great.