Overview
LightWave is one of the leaders in the 3D graphics and design industry. LightWave has set the standard in the industry with its modeling interface and capabilities, and is considered a must-have tool by the major movie and effect houses in the industry. In LightWave 6 Effects Magic, the contributors present two dozen effects (minimum) created with New Tek's LightWave 6, all designed to show off the considerable power and flexibility of the program. Effects are categorized logically and cross-referenced to make finding particular components of any effect easy to access later (“where did I see how to do X?” ). Each effect will be from 5 to 12 pages in length, and consists of a 2-column layout, with step-by-step instructions to the left, and corresponding graphics (or coded) to the right. Any effect, tip or technique in this book can be extrapolated and customized to suit the your own project needs.Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewWhatever video effects you're creating with NewTek's LightWave -- TV or otherwise -- you can do it faster and better with LightWave 6.5 Magic.
In this book, Inside LightWave's Dan Alban and a team of renowned LightWave experts lead you through creating a breathtaking range of 3D effects. One day, you'll use LightWave 6.5 Magic as cookbook; the next, as inspiration.
Even if you're an experienced LightWave pro, chances are there are some effects you've either missed or would appreciate a fresh take on. Maybe it's aged film (Dan Alban walks you step-by-step through creating that old war footage look, complete with blur, highlight glows and grain.) Or maybe it's photorealistic gold. (Plug-in developer Julian Kain shows you how to use surfacing techniques that won't just help with conventional alchemy, but with all types of metallic surfaces.)
Ever need to create sparks? (For a welding effect? Or a logo reveal? Or the braking wheels of a freight train?) You'll walk through every step: creating crossing laser beams, adding sparks to the tips of the laser beams, using HyperVoxels to make your sparks visible, then adding a hot spot -- a small lens flare that blends the tip of the laser with the sparks themselves.
Or, here's one: fur. You'd be surprised how many exquisite models founder on this effect. With Graham McKenna's help, yours never will. As with all these procedures, multiple steps are involved; the real secret, though, is McKenna's use of repeating morph and motion envelopes.
For years, 3D effects specialists have evolved multiple ways to generate wet weather. Some build rain using single point polygons with motion blurs. Some use third-party software. With LightWave [6.5]'s integrated particles, however, you needn't jump through hoops. Ablan starts with rain, adds a breeze, then transforms rain to snow (snow's lighter, so you'll need to tweak the motion values in your Particle FX Browser panel.)
Speaking of LightWave [6.5], this book does indeed utilize the latest version. However, most of the procedures work just fine in 6.0, and to make the book more comfortable for 6.0 users, Ablan displays the familiar 6.0 Style menu configuration in all screen captures. (Incidentally, 6.5's a free upgrade for registered 6.0 users, available at www.newtek.com.)
LightWave 6.5 Magic: It's years of experience in one slim, full-color book. And it'll pay huge dividends the very first time you use it.(Bill Camarda)
Bill Camarda is a consultant and writer with nearly 20 years' experience in helping technology companies deploy and market advanced software, computing, and networking products and services. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.