Learning Maya | Character Rigging and Animation will teach you everything you need to achieve effective character set-up and animation in Maya. Developed by Alias|Wavefront Education Product Specialists, the book focuses on the creation of a human character, and provides both theoretical exploration and practical application - each chapter includes conceptual discussions and step-by-step instructions. Seventeen short presentations delivered by an Alias|Wavefront Certified Instructor are provided on the included cd-rom. The instructor provides additional theory, tips and suggestions on a chapter-by-chapter basis, thus allowing you greater insight into the concepts explored in the book.With this book you will:· Use layers and templating· Connect and parent joints· Set up IK Single Chain Solvers and group IK handles· Use Set Driven Key· Understand and use both Forward and Inverse Kinematics· Simulate the deformation of clothing using Wire Deformers and Set Driven Key· Drive joint rotation with a Blendshape Slider to help consolidate your control windows· Understand the difference between Smooth and Rigid binding· Export weighting maps from one character, and use for another· Use Pole Vector constraints as a fast and easy way of achieving realistic motion in arms and legs· Create complex and subtle character deformations through the use of Clusters and LatticesWhat you need to use this book:· Maya Personal Learning Edition, Maya Complete 4.0 or Maya Unlimited 4.0.· A CD-ROM drive and Netscape Navigator 4.0 or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.