An impressive line up of Hollywood and independent effects pros have pulled together this compendium of the coolest and most useful effects from A to Z (Ambient Occlusion Pass to z-Depth Effects). The book includes everything from practical, commercial techniques to breakdowns of shots from blockbuster films. Readers learn from the artists who created the light sabers for Star Wars: Episode III, the 3D environments in The Matrix, the matte paintings for The Lord of the Rings, and many more. Coverage includes 3D and 2D CG integration, modeling, animation, rendering, compositing, rotoscoping, tracking, lighting, and advanced blue screen keying techniques.

Other key highlights include:

• DVD-ROM including lesson files for 80 hours of training
• Chapters on fundamentals give a solid base for techniques used throughout the book
• Focused exercises take readers step-by-step through practical, real-world projects
• Alphabetical listing of techniques provides a comprehensive field reference
• First-person accounts let readers learn from VFX masters.