This book educates readers on the same art, techniques, technology, and approaches used to create digital effects such as water, smoke, fire, crumbling buildings, and virtual sets in big-budget Hollywood films. The author's credit list includes some of the biggest effects films in recent history: "The Fifth Element", "Titanic", and "Armageddon". The book discusses fundamentals and techniques for creating visual effects without regard to a particular software package, which should increase readership by including users of all digital effects programs. A practical application takes the reader through a real-world set of effects shots, just like at a Hollywood effects studio. To round out the learning experience, the Companion Web site provides readers with a wealth of examples.