LightWave 3D 7.0: Character Animation (Wordware LightWave Library)

LightWave 3D is one of the most popular 3D tools on the market today, offering the most complete set of tools, the best-looking and fastest out-of-the-box renderer, and one of the most powerful IK engines available. Professional director/animator Timothy Albee discusses how to use LightWave to build strong, dependable character setups, and provides proven, hands-on tools for mastering the complex mechanics of animation. Additionally, he covers the importance of storytelling and acting through animation—the subtle mastery that brings characters to life.

This book:

* Shows the complete crafting of powerful and reliable character setups.

* Explains Inverse Kinematics as it pertains to character animation.

* Uses LightWave’s tools to create character rigs that allow you to migrate animation from one character to another.

* Describes how to apply point weighting to create believable character skinning.

* Illuminates basic and advanced animation techniques that are the cornerstones for skilled animation such as anticipation, overlapping action, gesture, and silhouette.

* Outlines key steps for taking a scene from start to finish.

* Teaches time-honored acting techniques for helping you "become" your character.