The Gnomon Workshop welcomes two new Emmy Award-winning artists to its training library with the release of new character animation and fluid dynamics DVD titles. Scott Easley, principal animator for Heavy Iron Studios, shares his techniques for developing a solid character animation pipeline using Maya. Wayne England, CG supervisor at Sway Studio, introduces Real Flow and his techniques for sculpting fluid dynamic simulations.
DVD Descriptions:
* PIPELINES FOR VIDEO GAME ANIMATIONCHARACTER ANIMATION TECHNIQUES WITH SCOTT EASLEYEasley takes you through the process of constructing a character animation pipeline in Maya that will allow you to constantly improve and update your characters without adversely affecting any of the existing animations. He also shows you how to use the Trax animation editor from the ground up and how to build a library of animation actions, which you can then use to block-out more complex character animations. Included on this DVD are tutorials, a sample rig, blend shapes for facial setups, character texture maps, custom tools, shelves, poses and a Maya project to get you on your way.
* INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTING FLUID DYNAMICSREAL FLOW TECHNIQUES WITH WAYNE ENGLANDEngland presents an introduction to the creation of digital fluid dynamics using Real Flow, which includes a systematic breakdown of methods used to generate photorealistic fluid dynamic effects. The viewer takes a step-by-step look at the fundamental procedures and parameters within Real Flow that together establish an essential, practical, working knowledge of the program. This includes a thorough overview of features important in establishing a production-ready workflow, such as questions of scale, particle meshing, Real Flow Node control via the command line, the data exchange pipeline to other 3D packages and many other practical and creative methodologies. Within the context of the tutorial projects, digital fluids with highly realistic characteristics are developed. The material covered in this DVD is intended for both students and professionals who wish to strengthen their practical understanding of the huge range of aesthetic possibilities in Real Flow.
Since 2000, The Gnomon Workshop (www.thegnomonworkshop.com) has provided artists and students with the educational resources they need to succeed as artists in the entertainment industries. Whether they're interested in design, modeling, effects, animation, storytelling or matte painting, these DVDs provide a valuable educational resource for students around the world. The Gnomon Workshop is the sister company of The Gnomon School of Visual Effects, which provides professional caliber visual effects instruction to students and professionals in Los Angeles, California.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
