Follow along the path to LightWave enlightenment as 30 of the world's leading 3D artists share their secret tips and tricks with you. In this book of collective wisdom, you will learn about hidden software features, time-saving tricks, and professional techniques for achieving better results in less time.

Available in a book and CD format, this title is a comprehensive introductory tutorial to this popular 3D animation and modeling software for animation, cartoons, television, and computer games. It provides detail on the tools, tricks, and techniques that are useful to LightWave 3D 8 professionals as well as beginning users.

Helps learn the fundamentals of working in LightWave including an introduction to 3D and the 3D pipeline. This title looks at the LightWave interface, the primary tenets of polygonal modeling and keyframe animation, the key principles of lighting and surfacing, and tricks on how to get the best looking renders.

Available in a book and CD format, this title provides LightWave 3D character animators with the basics of creating character riggings, and also through the complex art of creating believable character performances. It covers the importance of storytelling and acting through animation.

This book is a topographical map for other animators who dream of making their own short films, but feel constrained by the perceived limitations of budget and/or manpower.