Desktop Images announced the availability of the Visual FX Series, 3D EFFECTS COMPOSTING and SET EXTENSIONS, a step-by-step instructional DVD set for mastering the essential skills of seamlessly integrating computer generated 3D elements with live-action footage.
The two-part Visual FX Series offers in-depth, step-by-step training that leads participants through 3D animation and multi-pass rendering procedures and advanced compositing techniques. With concepts that can be applied to a variety of 3D and compositing applications, the series utilizes NewTek LightWave 3D and Discreet Combustion for demonstrating technical concepts.
"Desktop Images' Visual FX Series contains powerful concepts for anyone involved in visual effects," says exec producer Rex Olson. "Jarrod Davis provides technical as well as artistic insight into multi-pass render compositing, procedures that show you how to take any element you can imagine and seamlessly integrate it into a live-action scene.
The Visual FX Series includes:3D Effects Compositing Demonstrates particle animation techniques for atmospheric effects, setting up the 3D scene to maximize compositing options, lighting objects in textured environments, rendering individual layer passes, and apply multi-layered effects. Jarrod also demonstrates color correction techniques, and shows how to use filters and grain to blend the elements for the final output.
Set Extensions Illustrates how to seamlessly incorporate live action footage with 3D elements to turn an average street corner into a futuristic cityscape. Procedures for matching camera angles, perspective and scale for incorporating 3D objects, masks & mattes, blocking & cropping, creating scenic elements, lighting concepts, multi-pass layer rendering, color matching and detail.
Emmy Award-winning visual effects artist for Zoic Studios, Jarrod Davis has worked on numerous television, film and commercial projects including VAN HELSING, CSI, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, CENTURY CITY, FIREFLY, STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE and STAR TREK: VOYAGER.
The Visual FX Series is released in the DVD Video format for playback on set-top DVD players as well as DVD drive equipped computers. Each Visual FX training DVD is available individually for $69.95 or the two-part series for $124.95 either through the company's website www.desktopimages.com, or one of its designated resellers. The DVDs also includes an English subtitle track for hearing impaired viewers. Viewers with DVD-ROM equipped computers can access project files and source material for each lesson.
Founded in 1992, Desktop Images has become a leading producer and distributor of training DVDs for digital content creation software and hardware products. Based in Burbank, California, Desktop Images currently features training for Avid Xpress Pro/DV, NewTek LightWave 3D, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects and Discreet Combustion. The company's products are distributed through both direct and reseller-based sales efforts. For more information, visit www.desktopimages.com.