Maya Secrets of the Pros

Reveals the secrets that the authors' learned using Maya on high-profile CG projects such as "The Matrix", "Shrek 2", and "X-Men". This book offers instruction on how to enhance fluidity and realism by generating complex motion with Maya Cloth.

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Featuring completely original material from a new team of Maya know-it-alls, this second edition of an award-winning book is sure to inform and inspire even the most seasoned Maya user. In this distinctive Maya Press title, a cadre of professionals led by two acclaimed Maya pros, reveal the precious secrets they've learned using Maya on high-profile CG projects such as "The Matrix", "Shrek 2", and "X-Men".
In nine unique and compelling chapters, you'll get detailed and sophisticated instruction on how to: enhance fluidity and realism by generating complex motion with Maya Cloth; apply non-photorealistic rendering styles that mimic the look of comic books and impressionist paintings; emulate real-world camera motion, from dolly-and-pan movement to varying levels of camera shake; produce natural lighting effects using global illumination and image based lighting; ensure smooth and accurate transfer of character data from modeling to rigging to animation to lighting; control IK chains, deformers, and surfaces with Maya Hair's dynamic curves; use dynamics effectively to create flexible objects and add secondary effects to enhance your animation; use Maya's built-in noise function to produce powerful effects similar to those used in "The Matrix" trilogy; and, create a human face from a conceptual sketch using subdivision surfaces.