An affordable production tool, 3D Studio MAX is widely used in motion pictures such as Armageddon and The Truman Show , television shows like Ally McBeal, broadcast commercials, and interactive games such as Diablo and the Tomb Raider series . In this course, students learn the fundamental features of 3D Studio MAX, including the user interface, modeling and animation, maps and materials, and particle systems. In this intermediate course, students create professional-looking animations and models. There is an emphasis on realistic images and special effects. A final project is required in the course that includes an animated organic model in a natural landscape with realistic lighting.
Students continue to learn advanced topics in modeling, animation, rendering, and dynamics.
Other topics include character animation, inverse kinematics, materials, shaders, reflections, and refractions. This course is a mix of traditional animation principles and advanced digital technology. Students use Maya and compositing tools to create characters and creatures that come alive with a believeable sense of motion. Beginning with drawings and storyboards, students move into character set up - building models for structure and rigging that move correctly and do not break down. Essential digital character animation techniques covered include deformers, skeletons, skinning, and constraints.