TORONTO - Alias’s newest Learning Tools release, the SuperToon Series of DVDs, demonstrates Maya techniques that will empower users to develop, model and rig cartoon-styled characters. The three DVDs are available at www.alias.com/learningtools and highlight techniques used by some of the industry’s most accomplished pros.
Jeff Bernstein of Disney Feature Animation tackles SuperToon Modeling and Body Rigging. Joe Harkins of Sony Pictures Imageworks takes on SuperToon Facial Rigging. And Randy Haycock and Chris Cordingley of Disney Feature Animation share their experience in SuperToon Animation.
The DVDs build on one another and enable artists to learn the differences between realistic and cartoon character creation, and understand the potential pitfalls and challenges. The series starts with Maya Techniques|SuperToon Modeling and Body Rigging, in which character development and modeling, as well as creating stable setups for stretchy limbs, squashing bellies, character silhouettes, and adjustable line of action are explored. The series progresses with Maya Techniques|SuperToon Facial Rigging which addresses the anatomy of the cartoon face, topology, designing a facial system, translating emotion into setup, and integrating the facial setup into the master rig.
Lastly, Maya Techniques|SuperToon Animation exposes animators to real-world techniques for achieving true cartoon-style animation as practiced in the major studios today. Topics covered include 2D versus 3D planning, applying principles such as squash and stretch, cartoon timing and snappy animation, cool cheats, emotion, silhouette and line of action.
The series of three DVDs is priced at $150, a 25 percent savings off the individually listed price of $69.99.