This exceptional, full-colour Autodesk Maya Press title - produced by Autodesk, the software's creators - uses Sony's full-length animated "Open Season" for the book's all-new hands-on tutorials for Maya 8. By following the step-by-step tutorials, readers will learn the Maya interface and the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects using real-world production files from a full-length feature film. The DVD provides further reinforcement with instructor-led tutorial videos and other resources for extended learning. With this book readers will: Become familiar with the Maya User Interface Work in 3D space Model with NURBS (Spline) Model with Polygons Set Keyframes and Motion Paths Learn to use Trax Non-linear animation Apply Forward and Inverse Kinematics Deform surfaces Set cameras and lights Create Shaders and Textures Discover rendering techniques Explore particles and Dynamics Begin to use MEL (Maya Embedded Language)