This series introduces the essential techniques for creating digital sets and backgrounds, an area of visual effects growing in prominence. In this second disc of a series of three, visual effects designer Eric Hanson covers the global illumination revolution, reviewing lighting principles specific to digital sets. He then leads into direct lighting techniques for both exteriors and interiors. Finally, the lesson highlights digital set texturing, including Adobe Photoshop techniques, and how to weather surfaces with procedural shaders. Throughout the disc, Eric uses a sample scene of an urban environment to highlight all essential steps. This series is designed for all advancing intermediate Maya artists.

• Exterior Direct Lighting
• Light Domes
• Optical Effects
• Interior Cubic Arrays
• Fill Shadow Technique
• Weathering Surfaces
• HDRI Lighting
• GI with Mental Ray and RenderMan

1. Exterior Lighting - Direct Lighting Technique
2. Exterior Lighting - HDRI Lighting Technique
3. Exterior Lighting - Fill Shadow Technique
4. Interior Lighting - Direct Lighting Technique
5. Interior Lighting - Basic GI Lighting Technique
6. Creating Optical Effects
7. Creating Rich Background Shaders
8. Final Project Rendering

• Product Code: EHA02
• ISBN: 1-59762-995-2
• UPC: 8805366010539
• Duration: 170 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.