This book/CD-ROM presents some 30 tutorials that will allow power users and technical directors to create an alien/moon rover animation sequence and gain experience in the production of a television commercial. In-depth discussion of the 3ds Max 4 animation controllers is featured, along with detai

Model and animate an alien, a remote control, and a rover vehicle! Through hands-on, step-by-step tutorials and directly relevant discussions, Mastering the Art of Production with 3ds max 4 entices readers to participate in the process of taking a full 30-second animated commercial for a realistic model company - Ion Z Batteries - from concept through to completion. Developing project requirements by reviewing storyboards and planning a live video shoot for 3D element integration is just the beginning! As they progress through this thoroughly engaging and fast-paced book, readers will also experiment with various styles of modeling and skinning techniques; gain expertise using IK controllers; develop user interfaces to simplify complicated animation techniques and implement MaxScript for further animation control; create and apply global illumination; use procedure maps and PhotoShop to generate textures for objects in the scene; apply proper rendering techniques; and complete post-production editing with Discreet’s Combustion. Ideal for anyone with an interest in digital art, 3D modeling, or animation, this all-inclusive introduction to contemporary industry techniques is centered on producing a professional product for a client, takes optimal advantage of leading-edge 3ds max 4 tools and options to develop a seamless character setup, and is perfect for users of all abilities.

Excellent 3ds Max instruction

This book isn’t intended for the first time 3ds max user since it doesn’t talk about the UI and viewport navigation much. However this is a must have for those looking to learn about the process of a production from start to finish. One of the best books yet covering everything from storyboards and concept art to post-production and network rendering.

One you have moved on from the UI fundamentals and instruction in basic modeling and animation then the next step is to read this book. Even though I am using 3ds Max 2008 now I still keep this book around for reference.

Not Ready for Prime Time

I have been working with this book for several years. I have never been able to anything more than the modeling tutorials. The scripts do not function, therefore the UI’s do not work and you are unable to finish the book! Additionally, you are unable to contact the authors to obtain corrections. I have purchased every book that Michele Bousquet has published since 3D Studio Dos 1. This book is not her best effort. Great idea to take a student from start to finish on a project but there-in lies the rub, a student nor could most instructors use this book for a reference must less a book to use for classroom instruction. Wasted time and wasted money..............

Not Ready for Prime Time

I have been working with this book for several years. I have never been able to anything more than the modeling tutorials. The scripts do not function, therefore the UI’s do not work and you are unable to finish the book! Additionally, you are unable to contact the authors to obtain corrections. I have purchased every book that Michele Bousquet has published since 3D Studio Dos 1. This book is not her best effort. Great idea to take a student from start to finish on a project but there-in lies the rub, a student nor could most instructors use this book for a reference must less a book to use for classroom instruction. Wasted time and wasted money..............

EXCELLENT BOOK!! WROTE FOR THE NEWBIES.

I was a total newbie when I bought this book, and it have really made me improve in almost every aspect that must be known in 3ds max. Of course if you already know advanced techniques you’ll probably get bored with the book. In the animation aspect I think is a bit short (talking about teaching you how to simulate motion like the walking cicle for the alien and so.)But the tutorials in modeling are excellent and very easy to understand.
I really don’t know if this is useful but I must say that I completed this tutorials with 3ds max 5 and there was no problem.

EXCELLENT BOOK!! WROTE FOR THE NEWBIES.

I was a total newbie when I bought this book, and it have really made me improve in almost every aspect that must be known in 3ds max. Of course if you already know advanced techniques you’ll probably get bored with the book. In the animation aspect I think is a bit short (talking about teaching you how to simulate motion like the walking cicle for the alien and so.)But the tutorials in modeling are excellent and very easy to understand.
I really don’t know if this is useful but I must say that I completed this tutorials with 3ds max 5 and there was no problem.

Awesome book!

Mastering the Art of Production with 3ds max 4 is definatly worth every penny! The instructions are clearly written and easy to follow (not to mention pictures of basically every step). The entire book is about creating a 30 second commercial for a company. It even explains working with clients! Anyone who wants to sharpen their skills with 3dsmax, this is the book to get. Also, the book has a section on Combustion for post-production.

Awesome book!

Mastering the Art of Production with 3ds max 4 is definatly worth every penny! The instructions are clearly written and easy to follow (not to mention pictures of basically every step). The entire book is about creating a 30 second commercial for a company. It even explains working with clients! Anyone who wants to sharpen their skills with 3dsmax, this is the book to get. Also, the book has a section on Combustion for post-production.

Great book - covers modeling and rigging in detail

Finally a book that doesn’t skip parts or refer you to user’s manual. Every step is presented in detail. I was surprised how much I learned about modeling from reading this book. This is the best max book I have read so far. Would love to see the authors do a advanced character modeling book.

Great book - covers modeling and rigging in detail

Finally a book that doesn’t skip parts or refer you to user’s manual. Every step is presented in detail. I was surprised how much I learned about modeling from reading this book. This is the best max book I have read so far. Would love to see the authors do a advanced character modeling book.

Some thing that you should really need

Books are really good friends, as no body taught me 3ds max i solely rely on good books.I am working on max for the past two years and i am just mad about it.At this stage in max where i need really something advanced, "Mastering the Art of Production" is upto my expectations, since i had already read the book "Harnessing 3D" written by the same author, so i was expecting the same good level.The initial knowledge about cliental agreement written by the author is very appreciating & after finishing the book you can say that you really know something in 3ds Max.
If you want to go with my advice you should really need this book.

Art of production...

This book is really well written and done in the way that resembles a brief. This book is ideal for someone who has dabbled with Max and wants to expand there knowledge. The only draw back to this book is that it doesn’t go in to too much detail, but then if it did it would be about 10 volumes. Great book, I found it very useful and very informative.

Defiantly work checking out.

If you buy only one 3D Studio Max book, make it this one!!

Right from the word go, Busby writes in plain English, explaining the details you need to know and skipping the more in-depth intricacies only a tech-head would need. This book takes you through a hypothetical job situation where you are commissioned to produce a short animated commercial featuring an animated alien playing with its remote controlled car. Its got everything a novice or intermediate user could need from modelling organic and man-made objects, IK bone set-ups, texturing, morphing, character animation, camera matching and compositing. Brilliant.

Excellent

This is what all learning books should be. One entire project in depth. The problem with other books is that it does not give real world emamples and problems, this books does and gives you answers. Absolutely brilliant!