3D Buzz Mastering Maya Advanced Digital Production some more details

[harrydude]

sorry because of character limitation i have to post this in formation in 3 post

Sounds Great! - but I still have questions...


What is Mastering Maya: Advanced Digital Production?
Is this product completed?
How long will the course take to complete?
Will I be able to participate in the online class?
Do I get a physical product?
Doesn't $399 seem like a lot of money?
What EXACTLY do I get for my money?
What is the release schedule?
What software are you using?
Do I have to have all of these software packages?
What do I need to know in order to get started?
What else do I REALLY need to know?

What is Mastering Maya: Advanced Digital Production?

Simply put, it is a training video series which documents the entire production of an animated short by a single person. Everything is covered, from initial concept work through the final render, and everything in between. For more details, please see the Detailed Course Description below.


Is this product completed?

No, it is currently in production no finalized completion date.


How long will the course take to complete?

Originally, we had slated it to run for six months. That plan fizzled quickly due to the size and scope of the project and the detail applied in covering it. The short answer is that it will be done when it is done, though this is a tremendous undertaking of something that has never been successfully handled before. Rest assured that we are working as hard as we can to get this course to you as quickly as possible, while maintaining a high standard of quality on the video.


Will I be able to participate in the online class?

That is not the intention of this special offer, as the class has actually filled and is already too far along for most people to be able to catch up. Rather, this is a way for interested parties to get their hands on these videos as they release at an extremely reduced price, rather than having to wait for the release of each volume.

At the same time, purchase does allow you access to the Advanced Digital Production classroom, where you can post questions to the instructor and to your fellow classmates, as well as take part in weekly live class radio meetings. The level of interaction is really up to you.


Do I get a physical product?

No. This purchase gives you FTP download access to videos as they are released. But this is actually a GOOD thing. It allows us to give you an extreme discount on this material to save you possibly over a thousand dollars. You also get these videos as they release, long before anyone waiting for the individual releases will lay hands on them.

Now, if physical packaging is your thing, we will be offering purchasers the ability to either download the printable artwork to make their own cases and discs, or to purchase the retail volumes for a minimal cost that just covers the production and shipping of the discs. More information on this will be available upon release.


Doesn't $399 seem like a lot of money?

Yes it is. But when you stop and think that we've already got nearly 20 separate volumes planned (with quite possibly more being worked in), and each of which will likely sell for anywhere from $60 to $100, you could find yourself saving over a THOUSAND dollars by acting now. Plus, you get these videos long before the official retail releases.

You're literally getting in DURING the production of this product. This has its own benefits, because it is the interaction and discussion of people in the classroom the helps shape how things are covered in the videos. Plus, when all is said and done, you will have a vast library of training covering the entire gamut of production topics, and you will have saved a ton of money.


What EXACTLY do I get for my money?

You get:
FTP download access to every single video that will be included with the many volumes (at least 19 volumes) of the Advanced Digital Production series as they are completed. These will have a combined estimated retail price of over $1300, and that is if no more volumes are added, which they very likely will be!
Access to the Advanced Digital Production Classroom forum.
Access to weekly radio meetings with your instructor (every Friday at 5:00pm CDT unless otherwise noted)



What is the release schedule?

Videos will be made available via FTP download.

You'll generally get anywhere from 2 to as much as 8 hours of video each week during production. Aside from this guideline, there is no set schedule. Basically, you should consider this product if you know you are interested in a series of training videos that cover the course of creating a short, and you are interested in saving a great deal of money while getting your hands on the entire library.

The order in which you receive the videos will be a little unique in that primary videos will be released that cover the essentials and key techniques of a given topic, and then later on, the remaining videos covering application of these tasks on other aspects of the production will be provided as time permits.

For example, when in the texturing portion of the production, you will see thorough and in-depth videos covering the entire texturing process of a single character. This will be more than enough for you to see how the process of texturing works in the pipeline. We will then be moving on to the next portion of the production. Later, as time permits, we will release other videos over texturing other parts of our scene, which will end up being included as part of the retail volumes of the series.

We do NOT plan on creating repetitive videos that cover the entire creation of secondary and decorative objects such as props. However, there WILL be videos that show the completed versions of as many of these types of objects as we can, including an overview of how they were created. For instance, there's really no need to show how to model a picture frame hanging on a wall after you've already modeled four separate characters. Rather, we'll show you the end result, and quickly discuss what was done to create it.


What software are you using?

Currently, the primary software packages we are planning on using throughout production include Maya 2008, Photoshop CS3, AfterEffects CS3, Premiere Pro, Headus UVLayout, and ZBrush.


Do I have to have all of these software packages?

Not really. You are free to use any 3D application you like, as most of the techniques for art creation transfer freely between applications. For instance, polygon modeling is essentially the same no matter which program you use. We already have students who are following along in a variety of applications. However, it would of course be much easier for you if you were using the same software we were.

The exception is 3ds Max. We will be releasing overview videos that cover how various technical situations within the production could be handled with Max, making it easy to follow along. We will NOT be recreating the entire process with Max, though. Nor will we show how to handle basic artistic tasks such as modeling. The Max videos will be intended to overview the process of creating some of the more technical aspects of production, as this is the key area in which Max and Maya differ.


What do I need to know in order to get started?

It would be best if you had already completed Mastering Maya: The Fundamentals before beginning Advanced Digital Production. This is NOT a course that we're expecting a complete rookie to be able to follow. That said, we have had several people with very little 3D experience already be able to follow along thus far.


What else do I REALLY need to know?

When you purchase, you will be mailed a verification letter containing a passcode. You’ll need this passcode and the included instructions to access your FTP box. We do this to help prevent fraudulent orders.

Also note that there is a security watermark of your name and address that is included on every video. We do this as a piracy deterrent.

You also need to know that all sales are final, so please make sure you’ve thought about this purchase before you order.