Pipelines for Video Game Animation

Scott Easley 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. Scott 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 set-ups, character texture maps, custom tools, shelves, poses and a Maya project to get you on your way.

• Creating a Flexible Pipeline in Maya
  
• How to Improve your Rigs Without Breaking Existing Animations
  
• Understanding Maya Reference Files
  
• Trax Editor
  
• Building Animation Libraries
  
• Blocking Complex Animation Sequences

1. Making a ‘Pipeline?’
   
2. Understanding “Major Power” Rig
   
3. Anim Export/Import
   
4. Custom Tools
   
5. Understanding the Trax Editor
   
6. Animation with the Trax Editor
   
7. Using Trax Editor with Rigs
   
8. Finishing Final Trax Editor Animation
   
9. Animation Workflow and References

• Product Code: SEA01
• ISBN: 1-59762-900-6
• UPC: 805366016647
• Duration: 260 minutes
• Formats: DVD-ROM

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Scott Easley

Principal Animator
Heavy Iron Studios

Scott Easley began his career with Oddworld Inhabitants, of which he was one of the eight original members. As Senior Animator, he most notably contributed his talent to Abe's Oddysee (1997) and Abe's Exoddus (1998). He went on to win two Emmys for his animation work in commercials. He then joined Electronic Arts where, as Senior Animator, he contributed to the series Medal of Honor from 2003 to 2005. He is now Principal Animator at Heavy Iron Studios, and teaches in the Graduate program at the University of Southern California.