The Max Workshop - The Practical Guide to 3D Projects
The DVD is based on one project - the modeling and animating of a seaside scene. Each phase of this project is covered in complete detail, tackling specific modeling and animation problems and solutions using 3ds max 8.
This DVD provides a complete workflow/overview of the 3d process presented in a simple to understand, and easily duplicated methods - with stunning results.
In addition, there are bonus sections covering character modeling, and animation.
Course Outline
Before you begin:Producing a Storyboard
It shows how to put your ideas on a sheet of paper. This training video includes every aspect that should be included in a storyboard, such as Camera movements, frame size… etc. the user will be introduced to the storyboard of the following 3d project.
It lets the user model a wooden bridge using various basic techniques (drawing 2d shapes then extrude, using lofts for the shed , building columns out of 3d primitives.)
The user learns how to model a land using displacement map, starting from drawing the displacement map in the Photoshop. it also shows how to adjust the contour of the land using the Unwrap UVW, the user also creates a material with a mix map in the diffuse channel, to mix between the green and dirt
It shows how to make the sea surface material by adjusting various map channels like the bump, reflection and refraction. It also use blend to mix between the Deep sea and the shallow material next to the shore.
It shows how to create a cloud material by using smoke map, and how to make a beautiful colorful sky using the gradient ramp map. It also shows how to add lens effect to make a beautiful sun, and how to control the fog using the environment opacity map.
It shows how to simulate the animation of the sail by using garment maker and cloth modifier as wind changes its direction. It also shows how to use double sided material and assign it to the sail object.
It shows how to animate the fish by using the path deform modifier, and how to synchronize motion with an audio file. It also shows how to use the super spray particle system to add splashes as it jumps.
Finishing the Project
This tutorial shows how to add grass in your scene by using Hair and Fur modifier and then it guides the user through the steps to complete his 3d project by using the video post to stitch the shots together in one output file(similar to what is shown in the storyboard).
The Bonus tutorials ( 3 bonus tutorials) are separated from the previous project and they are meant to throw the light on character animation. This one shows how to create a basic figure using box modeling
Salma Hassaballa is a graduate from Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Architectural Department. Salma has been working with 3D Studio since the early '90s. In 1993 she worked at Computek (Computer and Electronic house SAE). She became the Multimedia manager at the same company in 1994 until 1996. Supporting employees of the Ministry of Education and other governmental sectors to efficiently use 3D Studio was part of her responsibilities at Computek. She has been teaching 3ds max at the American University in Cairo (Engineering services department) ,since 1992 up till now., She also works as a freelancer doing mainly commercials and 3d episodes. Her work has been accepted in international festivals like German Festival "BitFilm: year 2003 and 46th Internationals Leipziger Festival in Germany. She was a Discreet Certified Instructor from 2001 till mid 2004.
