Maya 4.5 Fundamentals takes the user from a review of 3D fundamentals to a working knowledge of creating content in Maya 4.5. Topics covered include the interface and primary tools, modeling with NURBS and polygons, applying materials and textures, lighting, using modifiers and deformers, animating scenes, using cameras, rendering stills and animations, and using particle systems, dynamics, and paint effects. New features in 4.5 are also included in this updated and expanded version. Special appendices cover making the change from 3ds max or LightWave to Maya. Video-captured movies on the accompanying CD supplement the tutorial foundation of the book and will provide a salient selling point. The most exciting thing to be included on the CD is the video-captured tutorial movies created to supplement the tutorials in the book. This feature alone has the equivalent value of several training videos. In addition, the CD will include project files and color screen captures.
Jim Lammers is an animator, instructor, and reseller of Maya based in Kansas City, Missouri. A graduate of the University of Missouri's Electrical Engineering program, he switched to freelance animation within a few years of graduation and formed his company Trinity Animation in 1992. Since then, Jim has combined animation production with training and 3D software sales. Trinity Animation's web site is a popular source worldwide for 3D software and related tools. Jim coordinates an active animation user's group in Kansas City, and continues to produce animation. He created 3D effects for the Sony/TriStar film Starship Troopers in 1997 under renowned Hollywood effects veteran, Peter Kuran, and his company, VCE. Jim's other past animation work includes visualization projects for clients such as Nestle, McDonald's, and Butler Manufacturing. Jim can be reached at jim@trinity3d.com.
Lee Gooding is currently studying Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, where he works with a variety of graphics-related technology. Lee is a self-taught Maya user, who first explored 3D animation at Blue Valley High School-one of the first high schools to teach this new visualization technology. Gooding worked with Lammers at Trinity Animation in 2000, developing training materials for Maya. He is currently focusing on completing his education and developing his own 3D projects. Lee has hopes of mastering MEL to become a true Maya guru. Lee can be reached at slgooding@jphreak.com.
These reviewers contributed their considerable hands-on expertise to the entire development process for Maya 4.5 Fundamentals. As the book was being written, these dedicated professionals reviewed all the material for technical content, organization, and flow. Their feedback was critical to ensuring that Maya 4.5 Fundamentals fits our reader's need for the highest-quality technical information.
Shawn Dunn has been involved in the CG industry for over ten years. Presently he is a Professor at Seneca College in Toronto Canada and is teaching and developing the curriculum for the Character Animation course. Shawn also has a company called Get 3D that builds educational material and consults for the 3D market (get3D.ca). Prior to Seneca, Shawn worked for five years at AliasWavefront consulting, building, and delivering educational content for Maya such as MEL Fundamentals; Rendering; Character Rigging and Animation; and The Art of Maya to name a few. Prior to AliasWavefront, Shawn worked in production for four years in different roles focusing on 3D. Shawn has also taught at Sheridan College in Toronto.
Tom Harper's interest in 3D graphics began in the 1980s while working for a product design company in New York City. His reputation for expertise in 3D development grew, and he was eventually invited to become a member of an advanced technology group at Spectrum HoloByte, a games company in Alameda, California. After a year or so, Tom received a phone call from LucasArts Entertainment, inviting him to join the core development team for the blockbuster N64 title, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire. When Shadows shipped in late 1996, Tom left LucasArts and joined AliasWavefront, where he was one of a team of product specialists working on Maya, which was still in the early alpha stages. Tom is currently the North American Developer Relations Manager for Criterion Software, the makers of the Renderware family of products for game development.
Chaz Laughlin is the owner/CEO of RPM, a 3D Communications Company. Chaz holds two B.F.A.s in computer graphics, his first from the design and illustration department at Kansas State University, headed up by Bob Hower, and the second from the film and animation department at the Kansas City Art Institute, headed up by Patrick Clancy. He was initially brought into the field of 3D animation through working at a company that designed wargames and battle simulations for the U.S. Army. Chaz's love for what computer graphics are capable of has fueled his success in 3D.
Eric Pavey has been professionally involved in CG since 1993. He received his degree in graphic design from Al Collin's Graphic Design School and completed two CG animation courses from The School of Communication Arts. Previous employment includes Square and Neversoft; Eric is currently working for Ronin Entertainment. He gives thanks to his wife and son for putting up with the long hours, and to New Riders for putting up with his bad comedy. Eric can be reached at e_pavey@yahoo.com.
