Multimedia Technology - General & Miscellaneous, Other Graphics Applications & Software, 3D Computer Graphics, Computer Animation

The MEL Companion: Maya Scripting for 3D Artists (Charles River Media Graphics)

Name: The MEL Companion: Maya Scripting for 3D Artists (Charles River Media Graphics)
Author: David Stripinis
ISBN: 9781584502753

by David Stripinis

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Overview

Since its release, Maya has quickly become one of the top 3D software applications used by game and Hollywood artists. The unique integration of its scripting language, MEL, makes it incredibly powerful and flexible, but it also makes it very challenging to master. By learning how to script with MEL, users can maximize the power of Maya and customize it for their own specific needs. And because MEL is the foundation of Maya, it does not change with every new release, making it a stable tool for artists. The MEL Companion: Maya Scripting for 3D Artists provides a detailed introduction to MEL for those with no scripting experience. It also covers a variety of more advanced topics for intermediate users already familiar with MEL. Using practical projects, users will work through the basics of MEL and expand into modeling and animation, dynamics and particles, creating custom tools, and customizing Maya's interface and environment. For Maya users ready to master MEL, this is the one resource they'll need.

FEATURES:

Provides a comprehensive introduction to scripting fundamentals for beginners, and expands on more advanced topics for intermediate users
Details the entire scripting process from actions vs. tools to scripting styles
Explains how to create custom tools and user interfaces with ELF
Provides workarounds and a detailed appendix on the most commonly encountered vector and 3D math solutions, making it easy for artists to master and use these necessary concepts
Includes a CD-ROM with all files necessary to complete the projects in the book and to gain lots of scripting practice and examples

About the Author, David Stripinis

David Stripinis is currently a Technical Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks, a division of Sony Pictures, in Culver City, CA. He spent the previous six years working on a variety of television, film, and video game projects including Star Wars: Rogue Leader and Indiana Jones. He has also been a Maya user since its inception, and is often called upon as a guest lecturer and teacher for such organizations as SIGGRAPH, the IDGA, and the Game Developerís Conference.