Discusses the latest updates to the most popular 3D animation and modeling software in the digital design industry. Shows the reader how to render an object for the modeling process, and create 3D animations and visual effects. Highlights the uses of MAX as a character animation tool.

"3D Studio MAX Release 3 f/x and design" is intended mostly for Intermediate and Advanced MAX users, although some chapters are accessible to MAX newbies. In addition, since the 3D Studio MAX R2.5 f/x and Design book will go out of print after the new book ships, please note that about one-third of the previous book's material is reprinted here, for new readers. However, two-thirds of the book is completely new material written for MAX Release 3.

Full of step-by-step tutorials from examples that are glitzy, cutting-edge, and totally professional, this book describes in detail approaches to animated media logos from start to finish. Projects range from a sample storyboard describing the action, to importing files from other programs to use as templates for models, all the way through final lighting and rendering.

3D Studio MAX 3 Effects Magic is structured in a cookbook for highly-trained chefs who are in constant need of new ideas for recipes. They don't need theory, and they don't need beginner level recipes. They need a cookbook they can use in the kitchn while they're working. No non-sense instructions on very imaginative recipes, that the chefs can then take and either use as is, or use as inspiration for their own creations. This book has 25 can't miss recipes for getting stunning effects from 3D Studio MAX.3, cooked up by some of the best CG chefs in the world.

The market for 3D professionals is growing. More educational institution are offering classes on the subject and more specialized training houses are going into business. Bearing this in mind, animation skills are invaluable to serious graphics professionals, and using 3D Studio MAX 3 as an animation tool can significantly increase their marketability as animators. This book is focused toward intermediate MAX users who are looking to take their animation skill to the next level. 3D Studio MAX 3

The book is structured in three parts: modeling, materials, and rendering. Each section describes by example multiple techniques and their various applications. For example, in the first section, "Modeling," techniques for polygonal, nurbs, and patch modeling are described, in addition to modeling for real-time 3-D games vs. modeling for high-resolution feature films. The section on rendering effects is outstanding. With examples and tutorials, the power of Max's rendering tools is explained and demonstrated: glows, lens flares, lighting effects, camera effects, highlights, and focal effects are explained.

This CD delivers more than 40 step by step, hands-on projects covering photorealistic lighting, custom materials, modeling with modifiers, organic and inorganic modeling techniques, NURBS, forward and inverse kinematics, animating with bones, expression controllers, an introduction to MAXScript and more. Its the perfect choice for new 3D Studio MAX users who need to get up to speed fast, and self-trained 3D Studio MAX users who need help with specific tools and techniques.

This CD delivers Comprehensive training in 3D Studio MAX 2.5 & and 3D Studio MAX 3.0 Topics covered on this CD include photorealistic lighting, camera matching, introduction to MAXScript, organic & inorganic modeling techniques, modeling with modifiers, creating custom materials, Boolean operations, lofting, Video Post, working with alpha channel images, volume lights, combustion, particle systems, space warps, putting objects on paths, using expression controllers, using the Track View editor, skinning, etc. This CD features more than 100 projects for 3D Studio MAX 2.5 & 3.0. All the projects on CD are step by step, hands on tutorials, complete with source files. You will find dozens of models you can incorporate into your own scenes, while learning how to create thousands more.

3D Studio MAX R3 is the latest version of the leading professional-level program for rendering 3D images and animations. It's used to create special effects for films, television, advertisements, and games. Written by a team of Discreet-certified training specialists, Mastering 3D Studio MAX R3 is filled with proven, practical examples and projects that teach novices and experienced users how to make MAX perform. This book includes a full-color insert featuring an impressive gallery of MAX projects and artwork for examples discussed in the book, plus a CD with MAXScript code samples, models and materials for the projects, and trial versions of plugins.

Topics covered: Natural and industrial environments, creating buildings with natural elements (adobe, bricks, and boards), and working with natural scenes (ponds, puddles, grass, ground cover, and rocks).