George Maestri is an animation director and producer based in Los Angeles. He has written a number of books on 3D character animation, including Digital Character Animation (New Riders), and Maya at a Glance (Sybex Books). His credits include work for such studios as Nickelodeon, Disney, Warner Brothers, and Comedy Central.

As one of the most advanced 3-D modeling, animation, and rendering packages on the market, Maya 2008 is used extensively in feature films, broadcast, motions graphics, and design. In Maya 2008 Essential Training, animation director and producer George Maestri covers all areas of Maya. From general workflow to manipulating objects, modeling, rendering, paint effects, and animating, these tutorials are ideal for those who quickly need to get up to speed on Maya, whether at the professional or novice 3-D animation level.
Note: Exercise files accompany the course.

US
$ 149.95

Order Nbr
02NYL679

9.7 Hrs
1 DVD

Maya 8.5 Character Rigging provides an overview of rigging, character geometry, and topology, and then delves into the details of how to create professional, realistic 3D characters. Instructor and animation veteran George Maestri shares his expertise on everything from kinematics to character skinning. Using hands-on examples, he teaches users how to best plan, create, edit, and move an animated character with Maya 8.5.
Note: Exercise files accompany the tutorials.

US
$ 99.95

Order Nbr
02NYL640

4.7 Hrs
1 CD's

In this title, George Maestri explores the latest features of Maya 8, from the improved interface to the new productivity features for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. The training also includes detailed tutorials on topics as varied as creating and connecting surfaces, texturing and shading, adding light and depth of field, and ghosting and motion trails.
Note: Exercise files accompany the tutorials.

US
$ 149.95

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02NYL574

8.0 Hrs
1 DVD

Filmmakers of all kinds are exploring new digital tools for creating animated content. After Effects CS3: Animating Characters follows the creation of a short animated film, from storyboard through final output, using After Effects CS3. George Maestri uses a one-minute monster movie to showcase the new Puppet tool, along with many other techniques for animating characters in After Effects. He covers lip syncing, creating segmented characters with movable joints, and employing special effects. George demonstrates in detail how to create individual scenes and shots, and offers insight into how to pull the pieces together to form a cohesive production. Familiarity with After Effects is recommended.
Note: Exercise files accompany the course.

US
$ 49.95

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02NYL720

4.2 Hrs
1 DVD