Mastering 3ds max 4
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.

Paperback - 848 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (July 2001)
Sybex; ISBN: 0782129382

3ds max 4 in Depth
3ds max™ 4 In Depth provides readers with a comprehensive reference for creating effects for film, movies, and games. This book covers the modeling and modification of structures from primitive objects, plus other parametric design tools found in the program. 3ds max™ 4 In Depth contains various projects to strengthen concepts learned with a color studio to showcase the results. CD-ROM is included with maps or clips needed for each exercise.

Paperback - 768 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (June 8, 2001)
The Coriolis Group; ISBN: 1576108694 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.61 x 9.18 x 7.39

3ds max 4 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide
The popular Visual QuickStart Guide format offers clear, step-by-step instructions, hundreds of screen shots, and easy-to-use visual tabs for quick referencing. 3ds max 4: Visual QuickStart Guide leads readers through the basics of MAX. Readers will start out by learning max's interface, navigation and display tools, and will then move on to modeling and transforming objects; surface mapping; rendering; and creating full-fledged animations. This new edition offers all-new coverage of Max's updated features, including its new interface design, additional chapters, and a four-color signature showcasing 3ds max 4 creations.

Paperback - 500 pages 1 edition (June 18, 2001)
Peachpit Press; ISBN: 020173429X ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.04 x 8.96 x 6.99

3ds max 4 Magic
3ds max Magic will follow 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 will be 10-15 pages in length and provide instruction as well as suggestions for enhancing or modifying the project/effect. Each page will be 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 will be used to provide additional tips and tricks. Any effect, technique, or tip can easily be customized to fit the readers' own design needs.

Paperback - 320 pages 1 edition (May 15, 2001)
New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 0735710937 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.61 x 8.05 x 10.06

3ds max 4 Ground Rules
The first in our new Ground Rules series, this book paves the way to mastery of 3ds max Release 4 basics - that is, the "ground rules" - by inviting readers to work through thoughtfully crafted examples, exercises, and tutorials for this powerful design and animation tool. A refreshing alternative to command-driven books, 3ds max 4 Ground Rules puts novices on the fast-track to new skills as it guides them to an understanding of the fundamental principles underlying 3ds max Release 4 use. Fast-paced coverage spans the entire spectrum, from exploration of the user interface through Character Animation and Special FX. In addition, unique features, such as AVI files and full-color inserts, result in an extraordinarily interactive experience that goes beyond that offered by other introductory books.

Paperback - 672 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (May 16, 2001)
Delmar Publishers; ISBN: 0766837831 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.01 x 9.13 x 7.56

3Ds Max 4 Media Animation
In 3ds max 4 Media Animation, John Chismar has done it again – only better! Following the lead of his highly acclaimed book 3D Studio Max 3 Media Animation, John uses three professionally designed projects to show readers the ins and outs of animation media for broadcast. The clarity of John's instructions, the efficiency of his processes, and the quality of his projects are sure to make this book a success with animators and educators alike. The book concludes with the deconstruction of three projects John created this year as the Senior 3D animator for MSNBC.

Paperback - 592 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (June 12, 2001)
New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 0735710597 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.31 x 9.08 x 7.36

Inside LightWave 6
NewTek's LightWave has been a dominant player in the 3-D animation tools genre since its origin on the Amiga platform, and the latest version really shows its developers' commitment to keeping it at the head of the pack. Inside LightWave 6 sheds light on the many new features for the experienced LightWave user, and it's also a solid learning tool for new users.

Paperback - 896 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (July 24, 2000)
New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 073570919X ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.90 x 9.10 x 7.38

Character Animation with LightWave 6
NewTek's sixth version of LightWave provides some powerful tools for the animator who needs to create objects that walk and talk and sing and dance--objects with character. Character Animation with LightWave 6 showcases these new features, plus, for the new user, the basics of character animation.

Paperback - 816 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (November 20, 2000)
The Coriolis Group; ISBN: 1576103803

Lightwave (6.5) Magic
LightWave is one of the leaders in the 3D graphics and design industry. LightWave has set the standard in the industry with its modeling interface and capabilities, and is considered a must-have tool by the major movie and effect houses in the industry. In LightWave 6 Effects Magic, the contributors present two dozen effects (minimum) created with New Tek's LightWave 6, all designed to show off the considerable power and flexibility of the program. Effects are categorized logically and cross-referenced to make finding particular components of any effect easy to access later ("where did I see how to do X?"). Each effect will be from 5 to 12 pages in length, and consists of a 2-column layout, with step-by-step instructions to the left, and corresponding graphics (or coded) to the right. Any effect, tip or technique in this book can be extrapolated and customized to suit the your own project needs.

Paperback - 304 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (December 2000)
New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 0735709963 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.66 x 10.25 x 7.96

Mastering Maya 3
Few computer animation systems are as comprehensive as Alias|Wavefront's Maya. Version 3 is a massive package, and it takes Mastering Maya 3 almost all of its 1,000 pages to cover the program in depth. While this is not a book for Maya beginners, it is certainly one that every Maya user should eventually have. Six parts compose this massive volume: "Fundamentals," "Modeling," "Animation," "MEL Scripting," "Rendering," and "Advanced Effects." Liberally illustrated and annotated, each section describes step-by-step techniques for learning to use or for understanding each feature or topic. The writing in this book is matter of fact, and each section gets down to business quickly in describing the technique at hand. In light of this, imagine how much information has been packed in 1,000 pages. The experienced Maya artist might already know a lot of this information, but the easy stuff is discussed and dismissed quickly, as if the book is anxious to dig deeper.

Paperback - 800 pages Book & Cd edition (March 2001)
Sybex; ISBN: 0782128351 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.99 x 8.99 x 7.51

Digital Effects Animation Using Maya
Digital Effects Animation Using Maya takes an interesting approach to animation effects by categorizing them in terms of elements in nature: fire, water, air, and earth. It also employs a fifth element, dynamics, which governs the movement of the first four. Using these elements as a paradigm, the book offers eight tutorials that demonstrate ways of building scenes with fire, explosions, flowing water, splashing water, terrain, and grass. The instructions in the tutorials are all specific to Alias|Wavefront's Maya animation system, but many of the principles discussed can be applied to other software packages.

Paperback - 550 pages Bk&Cd Rom edition (September 1, 1999)
Charles River Media; ISBN: 1886801371 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.30 x 9.25 x 7.47

Mastering 3D Animation
For animators at all levels, provides readers with the essentials, some presented in tutorial form, others in explanatory discussion. Coverage includes NURBS and polygon modeling, deformation tools, special effects, human features and figures, lighting and surfacing, facial animation, and composition and cinematography. Ratner founded and heads the Computer Animation Program at James Madison University. The book is abundantly illustrated, and the included CD-ROM includes useful models; it is compatible with high-end software such as LightWave, Softimage, and Houdini, among others (mid-range packages will work with some of the exercises).

Paperback - 480 pages Bk&Cd-Rom edition (September 1, 2000)
Allworth Press; ISBN: 1581150687 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.89 x 9.83 x 8.03

Digital Character Animation 2: Essential Techniques
Grounded in the basics of traditional cell animation, Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques provides the necessary information to create convincing computer-generated characters in 3D. This step-by-step, full color guide applies conventional character animation techniques such as walk cycles and lip sync to computer animation, along with tips for giving your characters the illusion of life. Volume I is the first of two volumes and is geared to more entry level animators, teaching the basics. Volume II, soon to be announced, will build on Volume I, covering more advanced concepts and techniques. The cross-platform CD-ROM includes: multiple walk cycles on various 3D programs; lip sync examples; texture maps; and 3D models from REM Infografica.

Textbook Binding - 280 pages Bk&Cd Rom edition Vol 1 (July 1999)
New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 1562059300 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.79 x 10.02 x 8.03

Advanced 3D Photorealism Techniques
An indispensable guide from one of the world's leading authorities on photorealistic The demand for 3D special effects in films, TV, and commercial advertising is rapidly exploding. 3D graphic designers are in high demand all over the world. Written by a widely respected expert with a huge following among graphic artists, this guide explores the most current advanced techniques for capturing realistic quality in 3D images. It's the only book that covers advanced 3D photorealism techniques for all programs and platforms. Packed with quality-enhancing, time-saving techniques, this book shows artists how to create very detailed models using Image Map modeling for adding depth along with many other breath-taking effects. Graphic artists will find proven techniques for creating organic surfaces (like trees) by using Morph Targets, and find out how to design fantasy worlds in natural environments.

Paperback - 400 pages Bk&Cd Rom edition (June 14, 1999)
John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471344036 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.87 x 9.17 x 7.49

Digital Lighting & Rendering
New Riders' [digital] series is performing a tremendous service to the computer animation and graphics community. The newest addition to this family is [digital] Lighting & Rendering. Author Jeremy Birn has long been regarded as a talented computer graphics artist and generous writer, and he's been sharing his techniques and discoveries for years. Using computer graphic and 3-D tools to create accurate images is easy; using them to produce beautiful, inviting, memorable images requires more than technical skill. [digital] Lighting & Rendering introduces reasons and techniques for using light, shadow, texture, and composition. The book is not software-specific, but demonstrates techniques that are applicable to almost any 3-D graphics application. It is assumed, however, that your 3-D software of choice supports such basic rendering features as soft shadows, light maps, colored gels, depth-of-field blur, motion blur, and so on.

Paperback - 287 pages 1st edition (January 15, 2000)
New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 1562059548 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.66 x 10.01 x 8.03

The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging,
2nd Edition
Many computer animation books focus on one specific program, and if any historical information is referenced, it is merely to put the program into perspective. While this approach is useful for artists who need to learn more about an application, it creates tunnel vision for anyone new to the field who is trying to get oriented. The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging escapes this trap by deftly illuminating the history of computer graphics and animation. It brings the reader up to speed on current trends both in practice and in research. Lavishly illustrated, this second edition includes color images from such recent films as Blue Sky Studio's Oscar-winning short, Bunny, and from Pixar's short, Geri's Game. The rendering techniques used in Bunny and the animated cloth techniques used in Geri's Game are discussed, as are topics like advanced modeling, lighting, and shading and surface characteristics. Advanced animation concepts such as motion dynamics, procedural animation, crowd animation, and interactive animation are covered in chapter 12.

Paperback - 448 pages 2 edition (May 11, 2000)
John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 047136004X ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.79 x 9.10 x 7.52

Amazon.com
Click through here to search for any title or item at Amazon.com. When you click through and shop at Amazon from here, up to 5% of your purchase will come back to support Mrs. Duck! You're going to shop anyway. Why not have your dollars do good deeds by clicking through from here to shop?!