This completely updated edition of the best-seller covers all of the newest innovations and features in version 8.0. The book teaches you how to harness the power of one of the most powerful and affordable applications available. Throughout the book, users get hands-on practice with the vast array of tools that make LightWave the program of choice for the television and film industries. Using a variety of new, real-world examples and in-depth tutorials, users gain practical experience to apply to their own projects. Self-contained chapters make this an ideal text for both course use and self study. In addition, completely new tutorials cover rendering with HDRI technology, animating special effects and explosions, morphing, rigging, lip synching, hard body dynamics, and more. Written for users just starting with LightWave, and those upgrading to version 8.0, this book provides a wealth of practical techniques and ideas that will put you a step ahead in your crea! tions.

KEY FEATURES: * Covers all of the newest lighting, modeling, texturing, rendering and animation tools of LightWave 8.0 * Provides practical uses for weightmaps, morph mixing, and subdivision surfaces * Includes real-world examples and many tutorials that explore LightWave?s power * Answers frequently asked questions, including how to create raindrop ripples and lightning bolts * Contains a companion CD-ROM with all of the files needed to complete the projects within the book with worked through examples, variations, and sample animations