Independent computer book publisher Sybex Inc. has released “Maya 4.5 Savvy,” a guide and instruction manual for the Maya 4.5 3D animation software from Alias|Wavefront.
“Maya 4.5 Savvy,” written by John Kundert-Gibbs and Peter Lee, begins with Maya essentials and continues into advanced topics. Key subjects include modeling with NURBs and polygons; creating realistic textures and shading; and working with particles, dynamics, and MEL. There’s also a chapter introducing the Fluid Effects features of Maya Unlimited 4.5; it teaches readers how to create fluid effects, such as moving liquids, smoke and fiery explosions.
A companion CD includes Maya Personal Learning Edition 4.5, among other tools. And there are lots of hands-on tutorials; plus, a full-color insert illustrates the techniques discussed in the book. “Maya 4.5 Savvy” (ISBN 0-7821-4109-9) has a suggested retail price of US$60.
Kundert-Gibbs is director of Digital Production Arts at Clemson University and author of a number of publications on Maya, computer graphics, and dramatic literature. Lee is a professional animator and director at Storydale Inc. in South Korea, where he supervises TV series, commercials, movies and games.