Learn cutting-edge 3D animation techniques

Create breathtaking content for film, TV, games, print media, and the Web using Autodesk Maya and the detailed information contained in this comprehensive resource. Maya experts and special effects gurus Tom Meade and Shinsaku Arima cover every step in the Maya production workflow using easy-to-follow tutorials, real-world examples, and insider tips and tricks.

Maya 8: The Complete Reference shows you how to use the latest version of Maya to its full potential. You'll learn to integrate motion, create complex effects, manipulate lighting, render your final animation, and prepare for postproduction. 

• Build 3D models using polygons, NURBS, and subdivision surfaces
• Use displacement maps to enhance geometry
• Create and skin skeletons
• Connect the attributes of any nodes together
• Build a control rig to manipulate skeletons
• Create your own tools using MEL scripts
• Master the Hypershade to control textures, cameras, and lights
• Work with the Artisan tools, Paint Effects tools, and 3D Paint tools
• Render your animation for postproduction

Ready-to-use sample files on DVD

Table of Contents

Part I: Introduction to Maya
Chapter 1: Core Concepts
Chapter 2: The Maya User Interface
Part II: Modeling
Chapter 3: Polygonal Modeling
Chapter 4: Organic Modeling
Chapter 5: Basic NURBS Modeling
Chapter 6: Advanced NURBS Modeling
Chapter 7: Preparing Models for Animation
Part III: Character Setup
Chapter 8: Deformers
Chapter 9: Joints and Skeletons
Chapter 10: Skinning and Advanced Deformations
Chapter 11: Connecting Attributes
Chapter 12: Character Controls
Chapter 13: MEL Scripting
Part IV: Animation
Chapter 14: Animation Basics
Chapter 15: Character Animation
Chapter 16: Animation Tools
Part V: Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering
Chapter 17: Texture Basics
Chapter 18: Texturing in Practice
Chapter 19: Painting a Maya
Chapter 20: Lights and Cameras
Chapter 21: Rendering
Part VI: Particles, Emitters, and Fields
Chapter 22: Particles and Fields
Chapter 23: Advanced Particle Systems and Effects
Chapter 24: Rigid and Soft Body Dynamics
Chapter 25: Maya Hair
Chapter 26: Maya Cloth
Part VII: Postproduction
Chapter 27: Rendering for Postproduction
Chapter 28: Compositing in Postproduction
INDEX