Digital Sets 1: Design, Modeling and Camera

This series introduces the essential techniques for creating digital sets and backgrounds, an area of visual effects growing in prominence. In this first disc of a series of three, visual effects designer Eric Hanson reviews architectural design principles then leads into setting up a scene with a tracked camera and live-action plate. Next, Eric illustrates efficient set modeling techniques using both NURBS and polygons. Finally, the lesson provides a broad review of camerawork, from motion control to camera projection. Throughout the disc, Eric uses a sample scene of an urban environment to highlight all essential steps. The lecture is designed for all advancing intermediate Maya artists.

• Architectural Design
• 3D Tracking Issues
• Worldspace Issues
• Multi-node Camera Setup
• NURBS Technique
• Polygon Technique
• Perspective Correction
• Camera Projection

1. Essentials of Architectural Design
2. Setting Up Your Scene
3. 3D Tracking Setup and Issues
4. Set Modeling Technique w/ NURBS
5. Set Modeling Technique w/ Polygons
6. Misc Modeling Tricks
7. Final Project Design Layout
8. Camerawork Technique

• Product Code: EHA01
• ISBN: 1-59762-996-0
• UPC: 805366010430
• Duration: 140 minutes
• Formats: DVD-ROM

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Eric Hanson

Eric Hanson is a visual effects designer specializing in the creation of digital environments and effects for feature films. Having worked with leading effects houses such as Digital Domain, Sony Imageworks, Dream Quest Images, and Walt Disney Feature Animation, his work can be seen in The Day After Tomorrow, Cast Away, Hollow Man, Mission to Mars, Bicentennial Man, Atlantis, Fantasia 2000 and The Fifth Element, as well as many special-venue films. Eric is also an active instructor, leading courses on effects techniques at Gnomon School of VFX and the USC School of Cinema/TV. Eric is a member of the Visual Effects Society and attended the University of Texas at Austin. He recently published the second edition of his book on Maya techniques for Peachpit Press entitled, “Maya 6 Killer Tips”. He wishes he could sleep more.