Book Description

Camtasia Studio 5 is the latest version of TechSmith's industry-leading screen video recording and editing tool. Camtasia Studio 5: The Definitive Guide leads the user through the entire process of creating top-notch software tutorials, marketing spots, and demonstrations. It starts right at the beginning of the process, with developing goals and figuring out the core audience, and proceeds to storyboarding, on through recording, editing, and production. Camtasia Studio 5 is appropriate for users at all levels.

In this DVD, John presents the entire process of creating an outer space effects sequence. Starting with a space ship and a camera move, John takes the viewer through a step-by-step look at how to create a sequence that includes following a space ship as it breaks free of a tractor beam, launches out of planetary orbit, then flies through a field of asteroids and starbirth nebula clouds.John uses Maya's Dynamics system to build elements in the shots, demonstrating their use within the shot environment. He shows how to use cloud particles as a volume surface on which to project shaders to simulate nebulas that can be both stunning backgrounds and realistic clouds that can be flown through. John also walks you through a series of simple effects that add dynamic detail to the shots: sprite-stars, tractor beams, explosions, an energy
and an asteroid field. This lecture will enable you to create fantastic outer space shots that push the scope of imagination.

 

Gnomon - MEL 101: Fundamentals (DVD 1 & 2 ) 

In this two-disc set on MEL, Kevin Mannens introduces the rich possibilities of Maya’s Embedded Language. With over ten hours of lecture, Kevin creates a well-structured foundation for Maya’s scripting language. Through an in-depth look at what goes on under Maya’s hood, he leads you to a firm understanding of commands, syntax and procedures. Based on real-life production examples of MEL scripts, the second disc of this set delves right into advanced scripting methods. By carefully dissecting every line of code in an existing script, you will learn about each command, Kevin’s scripting workflows, tricks and common pitfalls.

 

Gnomon Maya Training DVD-Maya Fluid Effects-Fundamentals 

Fluid dynamics are rapidly becoming a powerful alternative to particle effects.
In the first lecture of this series, effects animator David Schoneveld introduces
you to the rules of fluid production, showing how Maya Fluid Effects can be used
for everything from smoke, dust and explosions, to underwater plane crashes and
more. David details the fluid menu, emitter and container attributes, as well as
shading and texturing, while conveying an understanding of the dynamic attributes
of fluid dynamics and their uses in production. The lesson also details the
basics of ponds, emphasizing an understanding of the fluid shader and texture