Getting started in 3D Animation

Master scene creation by refining materials with diffuse, normal, bump, and displacement and height maps, and lighting with sky tools, HDR ambient occlusion, and rain effects for mood and depth.

Learn to compose camera work with establishing shots, crane down moves, close-ups, and dolly reveals, using depth of field and focal length to guide the viewer through a scene.

Import a fdx model into 3dxchange, map body and facial bones, adjust offsets, and export to iClone to animate the full body with limited facial motion.

Blend multiple motion clips on the timeline using persona, motion puppet, and direct puppet tools; mask the body, edit transitions, and record keyframes to create a catwalk sequence.

Create a dramatic 3d animation fighting sequence inspired by Spartacus with slow-motion emphasis, choreographed ax strikes and sword moves, using motion plus, keyframes, lip-sync facial animation, timewarp, and camera shake.

Learn to create and edit motion paths to animate props, transform positions into paths, use follow path, loop paths, and apply transitions and camera follow techniques for dynamic movement.

Attach cameras to motion paths to create dynamic shots, using orbit and follow cameras, path templates, and dummies to choreograph a spaceship through a ravine with barrel rolls.