The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects, 3/e

The most inspiring, creative, and technical reference for computer animation and visual effects production

This new edition of The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects offers clear, step-by-step guidelines to the entire process of creating a fully rendered 3D computer animation or still image. With up-to-date coverage of the latest computer animation techniques and technology, this versatile guide provides insightful information for creating animations on film and video, computer and platform games, and visual effects for live action–from modeling and rendering to animation and compositing.

Designed to work with any computer platform, this Third Edition cuts through technical jargon and presents numerous, easy-to-understand instructive diagrams. Full-color examples are presented–including visual effects and animated feature movies, TV shows, and computer games–by such leading companies as DreamWorks, Electronic Arts, FOX, Midway Games, Pixar Animation Studios, Sony, Square, and many independent artists and studios.

This fully revised edition features new material on the latest visual effects techniques, a new interpretation of the traditional twelve principles of animation, multiple production pipelines, plus information on subdivision surfaces, image-based rendering, motion capture, and other current techniques.

Whether you are a student, an independent artist or creator, or a production company team member, The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects, Third Edition has countless expert tips for you on how to improve the artistic and technical level of your 3D computer animation.

• Non-platform specific
• Over 500 full-color images
• The newest computer animation techniques, including 2D/3D integration, non-photorealistic rendering, model rigging, and real-time polygonal models
• Expanded timeline and production pipelines
• Practical, step-by-step approach
• Up-to-date guide to Internet resources

Table of Contents

Preface.

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION.

Chapter 1. Animation, Visual Effects, and Technology in Context.

Chapter 2. The Digital Production Process.

Chapter 3. Basic Modeling Concepts.

Chapter 4. Basic Modeling Techniques.

Chapter 5. Advanced Modeling Techniques.

Chapter 6. Basic Rendering Concepts.

Chapter 7. The Camera.

Chapter 8. Lighting.

Chapter 9. Shading and Surface Characteristics.

Chapter 10. Basic Concepts of Animation.

Chapter 11. Basic Computer Animation Techniques.

Chapter 12. Advanced Computer Animation Techniques.

Chapter 13. Visual Effects Techniques.

Chapter 14. Retouching, Compositing and Color Grading.

Chapter 15. Image Resolution and Output.

Appendix: www.artof3d.com.

Index.