Used to create over half of the top 20 best-selling holiday PlayStation 2 titles in December 2001 and used in almost every film nominated by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in the best visual effects category for the past five years, Maya is one of the world's most powerful, high-end 3D animation and visual effects software programs available. Maya 4.5, the latest version of the all-in-one modeling, rendering, and 3D animation program, is loaded with new features and enhancements designed to make it even more powerful and easy-to-learn for Mac and Windows users alike.

Whether you're new to Maya or just want to get quickly up-to-speed on Maya 4.5's new features, Maya 4.5: Visual QuickStart Guide is a must-have task-based reference. In addition to covering basic animation theory, this straightforward guide includes many easy-to-follow, step-by-step examples of simple and more complex Maya techniques. Upon completion of this book, you'll feel comfortable with Maya's interface and features and be able to produce 3D models, texture objects, create animations, and render images with no prior 3D experience!