XSI is the next generation in digital animation software. It was used to create some of the first realistic CG characters developed for film and it continues to be used by artists and animators worldwide in new and creative ways and in many different fields—from computer games to the film industry, from commercials to music videos. This official Softimage guide will show you how you can effectively use XSI to create compelling, lifelike characters. You’ll cover each step—from designing and modeling to rendering and compositing. Learn how you can use Behavior to create intelligent characters that can interact with one another to form a realistic 3D animated crowd. You’ll also cover scripting and how it can be used to save time and increase productivity.

XSI is the next generation in digital animation software. It was used to create some of the first realistic CG characters developed for film and it continues to be used by artists and animators worldwide in new and creative ways and in many different fields—from computer games to the film industry, from commercials to music videos. This official Softimage guide will show you how you can effectively use XSI to create compelling, lifelike characters. You’ll cover each step—from designing and modeling to rendering and compositing. Learn how you can use Behavior to create intelligent characters that can interact with one another to form a realistic 3D animated crowd. You’ll also cover scripting and how it can be used to save time and increase productivity.

XSI Illuminated: Character is part of a complete 3D animation curriculum designed by the animators and instructors at Mesmer Animation Labs. Scene files used in the book, additional XSI tutorials, and sample course outlines for instructors are all available online at Mesmer.com. Intensive classroom training for professionals is available at the Mesmer facilities in Washington and California, and people from all around the world use the web-based Mesmer eLearning system to learn more about XSI.

Readers will discover the important pre-production steps in creating a 3D character through developing inspirational illustrations, character bio, and creating a design sheet. This book will take the reader through the storyboard process from thumbnail and inspirational sketches for a 3D storyboard and 3D animatic. Advanced features and techniques are covered including examining shape animation, muscle control, squash/stretch effects, and modeling techniques needed for realistic and cartoon characters. Tips for creating a good demo reel is also provided in this book.

One of the country's leading instructors of Softimage offers dozens of step-by-step exercises, secret techniques from notable experts in the sidebars, and fabulous imagery from great Softimage artists. Completely full color, the book provides the optimum learning environment for this complex software. The CD-ROM contains cross-platform NT/SGI IRIX and popular shareware plug-ins.

Hits the ground running, with advanced special-effects techniques, and no wading through tedious theory or graduated tutorials. Offers 10 commercial-quality 3D graphics and animation projects. Includes corporate logos, game modeling, character animation, Web FX, and more. Shows off Softimage's