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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
From Library Journal
Animation:Master is the new name for a piece of software previously known as Martin's Hash. This is one of the coolest pieces of 3D software on the market. It actually makes sense of 3D design, runs on both Mac and Windows, and is relatively cheap compared with LightWave and SoftImage. Paries's book is the perfect introduction to 3D design generally and Animation:Master in particular. From a total introduction for 3D novices, it quickly moves the reader into real design mode. It won't quite produce Toy Story, but the results will look better than South Park. The CD-ROM includes a limited version of Animation:Master that allows folks to learn 3D for less than $50. Cool software, cool book, great buy.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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