Product Description

@SUMMARY= New Riders offers the most comprehensive coverage of 3ds max functionality of any publisher. No other book covers the start-to-finish process of developing media animations using 3ds max (the program of choice for media animators). And that is precisely what our marketplace wants! This book includes all new animations from Emmy Award Winner John Chismar.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #756946 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 592 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Unlike many books trying to cover all things Max, 3DS Max 4 Media Animation focuses on a specific use of the popular animation system from Discreet: creating opening graphics and logo animation for video.

The book assumes the reader has some experience in using Max, and in creating animation for video. It focuses on the design and production of six different animated openings, and three of those are real-world on-the-air clips from networks such as MSNBC and NBC News.

Four main sections of the book cover the projects step by step. The user doesn't get a tour of the interface, and there is no history of computer graphics. Instead, each chapter methodically describes only the steps involved in creating each particular project. If you've used Max and know the difference between a viewport and a roll-out, this book is for you.

There are plenty of details to absorb, since each project is fairly complex. The "Funhouse" tutorial is more about lighting and texturing, with some emphasis on modelling. The "Voting Machine" project is mostly about modelling, while the "News Open" project is a combination of lighting and effects. Each chapter is liberally illustrated and clearly written.

While many animators despise the idea of having to create yet another flying logo, many more have already embraced this genre and have realised that a comfortable living can be made as a talented motion graphics designer--as long as your work stands out from the crowd. It is far more difficult to design and execute an attractive motion graphics opening than you think, and if you haven't yet done it, "3DS Max 4 Media Animation" is a good place to start. --Mike Caputo

From the Back Cover

In 3ds max 4 Media Animation, John Chismar has done it again – only better! Following the lead of his highly acclaimed book 3D Studio Max 3 Media Animation, John uses three professionally designed projects to show readers the ins and outs of animation media for broadcast. The clarity of John?s instructions, the efficiency of his processes, and the quality of his projects are sure to make this book a success with animators and educators alike. The book concludes with the deconstruction of three projects John created this year as the Senior 3D animator for MSNBC.

About the Author

John Chismar, Senior 3d Animator at MSNBC, has been working in 3D animation since 1991 and in media animation since 1993. Using 3ds max, Chismar has garnered several awards for his work: 1997 and 1998 Emmy Awards; 3D Design magazine Big Kahuna Awards in 1998, 1999, and 2000; three Broadcast Design Association International Bronze Awards; and a 1995-96 Emmy nomination. John has previously published 3D Studio MAX 3 Media Animation (0735700508) with New Riders.

Customer Reviews

Very helpful for beginner to intermediate level users
I thought this book was great. It is written in a informal US style, but not too over the top. The first two tutorials are definitely beginner level, step by step, but I found out some interesting things just by reading through them. There are also three real life case studies, which I found much more interesting.
This book could not replace a good overall guide to 3ds Max 4, but it is an excellent companion for a beginner / intermediate user interested in this field. I have been using 3ds Max 4 for a little over a year and now teach it to beginner students. I bought this book mainly because one of the students in my class is learning 3ds Max to make intros etc for his national television station. I would recommend this book if Media animation interests you.

Another great book for 3ds Max media animation
John Chismar follows on from his previous title for 3ds Max v3. The book consists of just three projects, but these are not small tutorials showing just one aspect of 3ds Max, the first project covers some 175 pages which are broken down into smaller sections covering many aspects of media animation. From conception through to the finish John discusses why,and gives out tips and tricks covering the pitfalls along the way.The projects covered are different from his previous book and his expertise in this field becomes apparent from his writing. Certainly a good choice if you are following this path in your career. Well worth the investment.

Great book for video and visual effects
Well I went through this book and believe me, it is a must have for anyone wanting to learn 3ds Max 4. As the title says it, it is meant for 3d animators and modellers working for video. It is a good starting point for anyone wanting to get to know 3ds max for special effects and modelling. I am a freelance 3d animator who has learned a lot from this book. The book takes you through real projects and you get to learn basic modelling and effects production. I recommend it to anyone wanting to get to know 3ds max for video production.