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 InterfaceWork in 3D spaceModel with NURBS (Spline)Model with PolygonsSet Keyframes and Motion PathsLearn to use Trax Non-linear animationApply Forward and Inverse KinematicsDeform surfacesSet cameras and lightsCreate Shaders and TexturesDiscover rendering techniquesExplore particles and DynamicsBegin to use MEL (Maya Embedded Language)