This tutorial demonstrates a simple, yet effective, solution for creating dynamic turntables. Utilizing Maya's two-node camera, motion path animation provides a flexible way to move the camera around the model. Precise and cycling rotations are combined with a moving camera, to allow for various views of the model in a single turntable. We begin the tutorial by creating a three-point lightrig using raytraced shadows and Mental Ray. This tutorial demonstrates how to render a Maya animation from the Command Line. While it is possible to render from within Maya using Batch Render, there are several advantages to avoiding this approach. More memory is available to the renderer when Maya is closed which is often a necessity. But furthermore, command line rendering simplifies the process of managing rendered frames, network rendering and the batch rendering of multiple scenes. This tutorial also demonstrates how to render the wireframe/topology of the model on top of the shaded turntable animation. When presenting work, especially on a reel, viewers will expect to see not just the finished result, but also how it was achieved. Clean, efficient and animation friendly topology is critical, therefore presenting that aspect of your work is expected. We look at a variety of wireframe styles and composite them in After Effects.

BEHIND THE SCENES (BTS) is an exciting DVD
series developed to showcase the creation of a game cinematic sequence.
In this chapter of the series Burke Roane focuses on two action oriented game cinematic shots. He discusses the different stages of animation
and explains what is expected from animators in a production environment. He compares and contrasts different computer animation techniques, and shows how to reach a high level of refinement in your shots. From start to finish, Burke explains in great detail how to work in an organized and efficient way, but more importantly he talks about the creative process of animation and how that process guides his

 

This is the first DVD from 2 DVD tutorial series for dynamic expressions in Maya.Particle Expressions are a way of using MEL (Maya-Embedded Language) to form and control relationships between particle and object attributes over time. Visual effects animators rely on expressions to create a variety of complex motion and behavior that is impossible to create using other dynamics techniques.This lecture will show you how to tap into the power of expressions and how to generate them. In addition, it will introduce you to different methods for creating and utilizing custom particle attributes for maximum effect.

 

Description:
Welcome to The Gnomon Workshop, the industry leader in professional training for artists in the entertainment and design industries. Founded by Alex Alvarez in 2000, The Gnomon Workshop was launched as a means to share professional techniques with artists who could not attend the hands-on courses offered at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood, California. Over the past nine years, the Gnomon Workshop DVD library has expanded to offer training by over sixty professional instructors on a diverse range of tools, software and media including design, drawing, sculpture, painting, modeling, texturing, animation, effects and compositing. Shipped to literally every corner of the globe, our DVDs can be found in countless libraries, studios and universities… and on many thousand bookshelves.