Mental Ray, For Maya, 3Ds Max, And XSI: A 3D Artist'S Guide To Rendering (With CD)

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This is a one-stop resource for the keys to rendering with mental ray that 3D artists can’t get any where else. The book shows how to create stunning, highly realistic images with mental ray using the most popular 3D programs, with a focus on helping artists make informed decisions on advanced lighting and workflow issues that will transform their creations into studio quality photo-realistic characters, objects, and landscapes. The tutorials have been developed and tested in the author’s professional studio, as well as in the classroom, providing artists with the level of expertise they need to stay current and students with cutting-edge know-how to take to their job hunt. Key Features The only book that covers the art of mental ray, the leading digital rendering program distributed with every major 3D software package. Estimated reach is over 500,000 users mental ray is the built-in renderer for Maya, 3ds max, and XSI 3D software solutions, the three most popular digital animation and effects programs on the market The book is aimed at high-end professionals and students anxious to master mental ray A 16-page color insert showcases final rendered images of the studio quality seen in films like The Brothers Grimm, The Day After Tomorrow, and The Matrix Revolutions The CD includes models, textures, and fully rendered samples. It also provides value-added HD images (worth $50 apiece in other packages), MEL plug-ins for Maya and XSI to convert cameras for generating terrains ($100 value), and other valuable plug-ins Curriculum guides are also available for training centers and schools that teach mental ray About The Author Boaz Livny teaches advanced Maya and mental ray courses at New York’s prestigious Center for Advanced Digital Applications and heads the Advanced Maya training at the NY Film Academy. His Vision Animations Inc. studio has provided work to Microsoft Xbox, Nicktoons, Disney, Dora the Explorer, Whirlpool, AOL and more. Boaz regularly writes articles on mental ray and other advanced animation topics for HDRI 3D magazine and is a contributor to Mastering Maya 7 (Sybex). Table Of Contents Introduction Introduction to mental ray Rendering Algorithms Mental ray Output Camera Fundamentals Quality Control Lights and Soft Shadows Shadow Algorithms Motion Blur The Fundamentals of Light and Shading Models Mental ray Shaders and Shader Trees Mental ray Textures and Projections Indirect Illumination Final Gather and Ambient Occlusion Subsurface Scattering Appendix: About the Companion CD Index