3D animation and effects software is the first choice of film and video artists, game developers, and 3D design professionals. Discover how to build, create, and turn your own digital models and scenes, and begin to develop professional-level Maya skills with the latest edition of this popular bestseller. Starting with the basic, the book builds from the ground up, combining direct text with practical examples that make it fun and easy to learn Maya's core features while introducing new Maya 8 elements such as improved tools and improved polygon rendering with mental ray. This CD includes Maya Personal Learning Edition software.