The Animation Master Handbook, Second Edition

In this second edition, you'll find all of the information needed to harness the power of Animation: Master 98, and it is also completely compatible with version 7.0. All of the new features and interface updates are covered in a user-friendly style to ensure that you master the new functions. Building on the ideas and techniques found in the first edition, we have added many new tutorials, examples, and new chapters. If you want to become an Animation: Master pro or need to enhance your skills, this comprehensive reference will make the journey a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Key Features: Extensive guide to using Animation: Master 98, covering everything from storytelling, modeling, texturing, animating, rendering, to adding constraints and effects. Completely udpated to cover all new interface Many new tutorials covering organic and mechanical modeling New advanced material on types of angles used by AM and new constraint tutorials with more complex examples Variety of new animation tutorials including Pose Sliders ! and audio features Innovative new chapter on Effects CD runs on both PC and Mac and includes many of the models shown in the tutorials as a learning tool, along with a variety of image maps, patch color information, and several example animations. Demo of Animation: Master 98.

The Animation:Master Handbook, updated for Animation:Master 98, helps intermediate and advanced users tackle the essential features--those that are both new and hard to master--of this 3-D modeling and animation tool for Windows and Macintosh.

Author Jeff Paries begins by explaining the essence of storytelling and storyboarding, focusing on elements of the program's interface as well as the basics of modeling. You learn advanced modeling techniques such as using hooks, solving surface ambiguities, and modeling humans. You'll also find hands-on tutorials enabling you to master mechanical modeling and the process of adding textures to models.

In addition, Paries teaches you how to create path animations and how they relate to skeletal, muscular, and other actions. Simple and complex environments also receive coverage, including involved special effects like volumetric attributes, particle systems, and weathering.

The book also shows you how to add mood by working with multiple cameras, lighting, fog, and motion blur. You even learn the various options for rendering and outputting your work. The companion CD-ROM includes the models used in these tutorials as well as supporting image maps and materials. The disc also contains sample animations and a demo version of Animation:Master 98. --Kathleen Caster