Newsgroup: it.comp.grafica
Titolo: @@ CORSI/TUTORIALS IN VHS PER SOFTIMAGE E LIGHTWAVE @@




 


Grazie


 


SOFTIMAGE 3D 

 


SECRETS OF SOFTIMAGE 
3D®
SECRETS OF SOFTIMAGE 3D® is an independently produced 
video about Softimage 3D, using version 3.7 of Softimage 3D Extreme. Made by an 
experienced user, not by the software developers, SECRETS OF SOFTIMAGE 3D® 
tackles real-world graphics production issues: (All images are actual shots from 
the video, scaled smaller for on-line display.) 
CHARACTER SECRETS 

Sculpting surfaces: Creating heads, creatures, and characters in Softimage. 
Demonstrated with approaches for planning, creating, and managing your NURBS and 
other geometry. Seamless skins: blending, filleting, and other seamless fitting 
and merging techniques are demonstrated and compared. Geometry types and options 
in Softimage: the uses and advantages of each are explained, with demonstrations 
and tricks to help you use them better. Facial Animation: a special section 
shows what you need to know, including "Shape Shifter style" set-ups 
and making effective target shapes. 
RENDERING SECRETS 
Mental Ray 
specific techniques and shaders are discussed, as well as techniques usable in 
either renderer. A special section shows tricks for rendering elements for 
compositing. Lighting: Step-by-step techniques for Hollywood-style lighting in 
Softimage. Texture Mapping: realistic layering and blending techniques, 
effective UV mapping, luminosity and clip mapping, and animated texture effects. 
Image processing to create maps demonstrated in Adobe Photoshop. Behind the 
Scenes, completed scenes from Softimage-based productions are loaded and taken 
apart. We examine the tricks and settings used, and compare the scenes to final 
renderings and animation. 
FORMAT AND PRESENTATION This video consists of 32 
segments, each containing information or demonstrations comparable to one of the 
"behind-the-scenes" or "tutorial" sections of the 3D 
Renderings site, except with more detail shown in Softimage and explained in 
narration. It is 1:20 in length on one VHS cassette. (1:17 actual program.) The 
video was shot on Betacam SP, and edited from 11 hours of original footage to 
this concise final production, using close-ups that make the screen displays 
crisp and legible. 
SKILL LEVEL This video does not start at zero. If you 
just got Softimage, the best place to start is with the Getting Started and 
Quick Start manuals, before you begin to study this tape. The first section, 
called "Geometry 101," is somewhat basic, but the video is designed 
for people who have already started using Softimage, and want to learn how to 
use it better. (An exception would be if you are still evaluating what software 
to buy or get more training in, and want a preview of the operation of 
Softimage, including some advanced features.) 
SOFTWARE VERSIONS 
The 
video uses Softimage 3D Extreme version 3.7. Users of the earlier versions 3.5 
and 3.51 will see some changes, such as the new view modes, but most modelling 
and rendering techniques remain the same. Users of Softimage version 3.0x will 
find more differences in the implementation of NURBS modelling functions. Users 
without Mental Ray will still be able to use a large share of the texturing, 
lighting, and rendering options, but some of the demonstrations are specific to 
Mental Ray. Users without the 3D Extreme option will also find that MetaClay 
modeling is not supported on their system as demonstrated in the video. 
THE 
DIRECTOR 
The video was directed by Jeremy Birn. Jeremy is an expert user of 
Softimage 3D and has been training other users in Softimage for the past 4 
years. In addition to working as a freelance animator in Hollywood, Mr. Birn 
teaches a course in Softimage 3D at The California Institute of the Arts (Cal 
Arts) in Valencia, CA.
60.000
 


LIGHTWAVE 3D 


Organic Modeling & Animation with 
LightWave 3D :
The ultimate goal in the world of special effects is 
the seamless integration of 3D imagery with live action footage. "Organic 
Modeling & Animation" takes you through the professional tips and 
techniques for creating realistic models and effects that will bring your 3D 
animation to life. Watch as David Lombardi explains all. CGI Artist for Digital 
Muse, the Santa Monica Based TV & Film Special effects company, and special 
effects animator for The Titantic Mini-Series, Roar and head animator for 
Sliders, Lombardi is an expert at creating lifelike models. In "Organic 
Modeling & Animation," David focuses on four main points for using this 
plug-in. The points are Organic Modeling, Body Movement, Walk Sequence, and 
Facial Expression. Lombardi shows how to add facial expressions to your models 
using Multiple Morph targets. Instruction on how to use Morph Gizmo, the 
powerful interactive morph sequencing tool, is also included in this section. 
The Walk Sequence section shows how to create a walk sequence using LightWave's 
inverse kinematics capabilities. Find out how to organize your IK animations for 
maximum effect. Combine these natural body movements, expressions & object 
motions to complete the effect. Organic Modeling takes a simple sketch and turns 
it into a complex 3D model ready for animation. You will learn techniques that 
will enable you to create complex models from simple shapes. Learn tips for 
keeping your model organized and making adjustments quickly and easily. Learn to 
give your models realistic motion and fluid movement from the Body Movement 
section. Speed your animation set-up time using the LightWave plug-in, Puppet 
Master. "Organic Modeling & Animation with LightWave 3D" is a RAVE 
Video production and was produced and directed by Rex Olson. "Organic 
Modeling & Animation" has a run time of approximately 90 minutes. 

50.000 


Plug-In Power Macroform, 
Particlestorm, and WaveFilter :
In this video tape, Brad Peebler, 
NewTek's resident LightWave expert demonstrates the tips, tricks, and shortcuts 
used by top animators to create spectacular effects with LightWave 3D. Tap into 
three incredible Plug-Ins that will increase your modeling and animation 
productivity! The tape is broken up into three sections each section devoted to 
one of the following plug-ins. They are Macroform, Particle Storm, and 
WaveFilter. With Macroform, Brad Peebler teaches the elements of this advanced 
set of "natural" modeling tools. Within the Productivity Tool Set 
you'll discover dynamic scaling tools, automated alignment and centering 
capabilities, precise rotation functions and more. The Rail Tools allow you to 
quickly create complex objects using simple spline curves. These interactive 
modeling tools give you advanced capabilities to mold and shape objects with 
ease. Creating cascading water, roaring fire, showers of sparks and more are 
easy when using the Particle Storm plug-in. Build particle animations with real 
world characterics like density, gravity, collision, lifespan and color cycling. 
Apply these characteristics to any object with Particle Storm's post processing 
capabilities. WaveFilter, the last section of the tape, provides independent 
control of a wide variety of image enhancement effects. Learn to add animated 
color, brightness, gamma, contrast, posterization effects and more. Create 
"Rack Focus" effects easily with WaveFilter's unique "mixing 
board" interface. Plug-In Power 1 is a RAVE Video production and was 
produced and directed by Rex Olson. Plug-In Power 1 has a run time of 
approximately 85 minutes. 
50.000 


Steamer Volumetric Lighting 
Effects for LightWave 3D :
Brad Peebler, 
NewTek's resident LightWave expert demonstrates the tips, tricks, & 
shortcuts used by top animators to create spectacular effects with LightWave 3D 
in this awesome plug-in, "Steamer Volumetric Lighting Effects for LightWave 
3D". Peebler shares the secrets of creating light beams, variable density 
fog, dust & smoke effects in LightWave 3D with this powerful pixel filter 
and particle displacement map plug-in. In "Steamer - Volumetric Lighing 
Effects for LightWave 3D", Brad Peebler shows you how to use the plug-in's 
effects for light, fog and objects. In the lighting section of the video learn 
how to add realistic light beams with volume and density, pass a light beam 
through moving smoke or project an image through a light beam. Learn how to make 
adjustments to all of Steamer's paramaters to give light sources just the right 
effect. The fog portion of the tape allows you to discover the techniques used 
for creating atmospheric simulation with variable density clouds and fog. Create 
three dimensional volumetric fog that the camera can pass through, essential 
volumetric effects for photorealistic imagery. The last section is devoted to 
using Steamer with objects. Steamer can be used with objects to create dust 
clouds & billowing steam effects. Give planets atmosphere, build nebulas, 
and you can also learn to make a fiery comet complete with an animated smoke 
trail. "Steamer" is a RAVE Video production and was produced and 
directed by Rex Olson. The video has a run time of approximately 73 minutes 

50.000 


LightWave 3D 5.5/5.6 Kinematics 
& Contortions :
Discover inverse kinematic 
techniques for hierarchical object animation. Use bones to create a skeletal 
structure for bending & twisting objects. Apply displacement maps & 
effectors to animate object shapes. 
 Forward Kinemation 
 Inverse 
Kinematics 
 Displacement Effectors 
 Deformation Plug-Ins 
 
Animating Bones 
 Muscle Flexing 
 Replacement Animation 
This 
instructional video provides techniques for adding flexibility, character and 
realism to your animation. Running time approx 120 minutes 
Ace Miles NewTek 
Lead Animator & Instructor at San Francisco's Academy of Art College. Former 
senior animator for Atari Games.
60.000 



LightWave 3D 5.5/5.6 Surfacing 
Essentials :
Bring your 3D objects to life 
with LightWave's powerful texture layering capabilities. Apply diffusion, 
specularity, reflectivity and texture attributes to simulate real world 
surfaces. Explore a variety of procedural textures and bump mapped surfaces 
including veins, crust and crumple. 
 Reflection Maps 
 Custom Surfaces 

 Image Texture Maps 
 Procedural Textures 
 Bump Maps 
 
Raytraced Surfaces 
 Projection Mapping 
 Super Cel Shader 
This 
video provides a fast and easy way to discover powerful texture and surfacing 
techniques in LightWave 3D 5.5/5.6. Running time approx 120 minutes
60.000 


LightWave 3D 5.5/5.6 Lighting 
& Camera Effects 
:
Learn the fundamentals 
of digital film making with this in-depth guide to LightWave's lighting 
attributes and camera effects capabilities. Choose from a variety of lighting 
parameters. Customize illumination, color and shading characteristics. Discover 
camera techniques such as depth of field, motion blur and rack focus for film 
style image effects. 
 Animating Lights 
 Shading Techniques 
 
Shadow Maps 
 Lens Flares 
 Lighting Tricks 
 Camera Motion Tips 

 Image Projection 
This tape offers powerful easy-to-follow insight for 
real world cinematic techniques in LightWave 3D 5.5/5.6. Running time approx 110 
minutes 
60.000 


DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY by Ron 
Thornton :
Take a look inside the mind of one 
of today's most talented special Effects artists. Best known for his Emmy award 
winning special effects in the popular television series Babylon 5, Ron Thornton 
now offers his personal techniques in an incredible instructional videotape 
series. Taking you step-by-step through the process of lighting techniques, 3D 
compositing, blending elements plus so much more. 
New: DIGITAL 
CINEMATOGRAPHY Learn the techniques of modern film making! Discover the art of 
compositing 3D computer generated models into live action sequences. Learn the 
tips and tricks to seamlessly blend elements for photo-realistc scene creation. 
Build background plates and incorporate them into 3D scenes for creating 
"follow action" camera shots. Achieve the skills for making CGI scenes 
that look amazingly real! 
HIGHLIGHTS
 Lighting techniques 
 3D 
compositing 
 Blending elements 
 Camera movement 
 Background 
plates 
 Action follow shots 
Approx. 110 minutes VHS 
60.000 


CINEMATIC VISUAL EFFECTS by Ron 
Thornton :
New: CINEMATIC VISUAL 
EFFECTS
Create dramtic special effects for photo-realistic 3D animation! 
Unlocks the secrets of stunning visual effects using high-end computer generated 
animation and compositing techniques. Find out how one of the industry's top 
special effects artists combines layered image sequences with 3D modeling and 
animation to create award winning pyrotechnic CGI effects. 
HIGHLIGHTS 
 
Build particle animation sequences with particle storm
 Gun barrel firing 
sequence 
 Gunfire with flak 
 Explosive image sequences 
 Wreckage 
morph targets 
Approx. 120 minutes VHS
60.000
 



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