In this DVD, John presents the entire process of creating an outer space effects sequence. Starting with a space ship and a camera move, John takes the viewer through a step-by-step look at how to create a sequence that includes following a space ship as it breaks free of a tractor beam, launches out of planetary orbit, then flies through a field of asteroids and starbirth nebula clouds. John uses Maya's Dynamics system to build elements in the shots, demonstrating their use within the shot environment. He shows how to use cloud particles as a volume surface on which to project shaders to simulate nebulas that can be both stunning backgrounds and realistic clouds that can be flown through. John also walks you through a series of simple effects that add dynamic detail to the shots: sprite-stars, tractor beams, explosions, an energy field and an asteroid field. This lecture will enable you to create fantastic outer space shots that push the scope of imagination.

• Cloud Particles
  
• Cloud Shader
  
• Lighting
  
• Sprite particles
  
• Emitters
  
• Goal
  
• Springs
  
• Turbulence Field
  
• Expressions
  
• Point Particles
  
• Collisions
  
• Rigid Body
  
• Instance
  
• Paint Effects

1. Introduction
2. Planet
3. Background
4. Background Details
5. Engine Flames
6. Tractor Beams
7. Laser Blast
8. Explosion
9. Additional FX
10. Asteroid Flight
11. Nebula Cloud Flight

• Product Code: JOC01
• ISBN: 1-59762-914-6
• UPC: 805366016500
• Duration: 340 minutes
• Formats: DVD-ROM

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John Clark

VFX Supervisor
Sony Pictures Imageworks

John has been working in the film and television industry for over fourteen years, creating scenic art and practical effects before moving into digital animation and visual effects. For three years John was VFX supervisor for the award-winning digital production house Motion Theory, where he garnered commercial credits with campaigns for HP, Budweiser, Toyota, Direct TV, Mervyns, Johnson & Johnson, Mazda, Nike, Fox, ESPN, EA Sports, Met Life and Cingular. His broadcast credits include: Sci-fi Channel Imagination and Scare Tactics show opener; Showtime Our Fathers, Soldier's Girl teaser and The Lion in Winter show teaser. John also helped create music videos for The Used, Papa Roach, REM, Less Than Jake, Velvet Revolver, and Beck. John is currently at Sony Pictures Imageworks where he is the wave animation lead on the CG animated film, Surf's Up. John's awards for animation and FX include: five AICP awards, International Art Directors Silver Cube and Gold Cube, and multiple Telly awards. John has also had two animation pieces accepted to the SIGGRAPH animation festival..