This latest edition of Inside 3ds max is retooled to focus on the needs of the intermediate to professional user, based on continuing conversations with our target audience. This market is crying out for information that goes beyond the basic to provide guidance on how to make the most use of the program in real-world work situations. Inside 3ds Max 4 explores changes in the program as well as more advanced functionalities and how they can assist the professional user in enhancing efficiency or output. Inside 3ds max 4 is organized into units that mirror and actually step through the workflow of a 3D project. Moreover, where differences exist in the application of techniques between the broadcast/film and game/interactive applications, the authors present careful analysis to assist readers in making the right choices for their technical work. The CD-ROM includes all of the project files necessary to complete the projects as well as any plug-ins referred to in the text.

The book teaches skills and techniques in a way that not only provides an understanding of MAX X and its functionality but also how to apply those tools to a normal work environment by using a single, comprehensive project. Each chapter contains a section that provides an explanation of the tools, features and techniques being used, some sample exercises for reinforcement, and some of the artistic insight behind the process. The chapter concludes with the "workshop" section, which walks the reader through a series of step-by-step tutorials that culminate into a final, working project by the end of the book. The tear card, color section, tips, notes and sidebars are filled with expert advice and supplemental information and together with the chapter material provide the reader with an invaluable resource that they can return to time and again.

Jumpstart your quest for mastering 3ds max 5 with beginner level techniques that will apply to many aspects of 3d design. The exercises will walk you through steps that introduce and reinforce productive workflow methods for all users. The techniques focus on exciting new tools and features in 3ds max 5. Learn how to work quickly to build optimum scenes with flexible editing capabilities for maximum efficiency. CD-Rom will iclude all the project files needed to work through the book. 3d environment artists, whether for gaming, web content, film and television, or architecture have a responsibility to set the foundation and mood for all other aspects of 3d design. There is a plethora of books on character design and animation while the majority of jobs in the marketplace are for building environments for those few characters to exist in. This book walks you through several scenes that form a basis for learning tools, work methods, and efficient techniques that will make you a more valuable artist in a wide range of job opportunities. More experienced max users can also benefit from the fresh perspective and a focus on amazing new modeling tools, Global Illumination and Radiosity lighting, and animation enhancements included in 3ds max X. The book will include a CD ROM that will have all the project files needed to go with the book. Ted Boardmanis a well known 3ds max trainer, writer, and columnist, and is one of a dozen Authorized Discreet Training Specialists for Multimedia. He specializes in topics that enhance user productivity by teaching problem solving methods that lay the foundations for a deeper understanding of the concepts in the workflow. These methods allow a 3ds max user time for more important artistic decisions under tight deadlines.

In this update to his best-selling character modeling book, professional modeler and animator Paul Steed shares a number of tips, tricks, and techniques that have made him one of the industry’s most recognized 3D artists. Modeling a Character in 3ds max, Second Edition provides readers a professional-level skill set as it chronicles the creation of a single low-poly real-time character from concept to texture mapping, and gives insight into the process of creating a high-resolution character. Learn how to model with primitives; use extrusions and Booleans; mirror and reuse models; optimize the mesh; create and apply textures; loft shapes.

Insights and ideas from an award-winning author! Expert Advice. John Chismar provides a glimpse into the way he and his team function, complete with tips and tricks to enhance reader skills. Quality tutorials. Throughout the book, Chismar presents carefully constructed exercises to demonstrate how the animations were constructed and most importantly - why they were developed using that methodology. The quality and clarity of tutorials in 3D Studio Max 3 Media Animation have been highly touted. Expect more of the same in this version! Fills a unique niche. No other book covers media animation with the detail or authority offered by John Chismar and New Riders. @SUMMARY= New Riders offers the most comprehensive coverage of 3ds max functionality of any publisher. No other book covers the start-to-finish process of developing media animations using 3ds max (the program of choice for media animators). And that is precisely what our marketplace wants! This book includes all new animations from Emmy Award Winner John Chismar. John Chismar, Senior 3d Animator at MSNBC, has been working in 3D animation since 1991 and in media animation since 1993. Using 3ds max, Chismar has garnered several awards for his work: 1997 and 1998 Emmy Awards; 3D Design magazine Big Kahuna Awards in 1998, 1999, and 2000; three Broadcast Design Association International Bronze Awards; and a 1995-96 Emmy nomination.

Make the Most of Today’s Leading Animation Package With release 4, max further establishes itself as today’s dominant modeling, animation, and rendering package. And with its fully revised and updated coverage, Mastering 3ds max 4 further establishes itself as the definitive max resource--just the book you need to master all the techniques supported by this powerful product. Inside, you’ll learn all about sculpting and texturing your characters, setting them in motion, lighting the scene, and producing the final animation--for movies, games, television, and the Web. You also get in-depth instruction in MAXScript, including detailed explanations of all that’s new to this release. Coverage includes: Understanding basic 3D concepts Modeling in polygons, patches, and NURBS Creating detailed models Optimizing models for low-poly environments Applying textures for real-time and pre-rendered output Animating using parametric animation, forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, and character studio Fine-tuning animation by editing keys and transitions Creating drama with lighting Applying post-process effects Cutting and cross-fading between shots Compositing in Video Post and combustion Exporting to Web 3D with Pulse Getting started with MAXScript Using scripting for scene manipulation Using scripting for animation Customizing the user interface Defining autostart scripts Creating your own plug-ins using MAXScript

3ds Max 4 Magic follows the same project-based pedagogy that has made previous Magic titles a success. The primary goals are to present changes in functionality, best practices, and inspirational effects. Each project is 10 to15 pages in length and provides instruction as well as suggestions for enhancing or modifying the project/effect. Each page is designed in a 3-column format with step-by-step instructions on the left and corresponding graphics (or code) in the middle. The third column is used to provide additional tips and tricks. Any effect, technique, or tip can easily be customized to fit the readers'