In issue 121: Enjoy a longer, stress-free career in 3D with our fixes for common job problems. Plus: software and resources worth $543 on the CD

Click the thumbnail to order your copy online

IN THE MAGAZINE

Stay fighting fit in your 3D career
Life in 3D poses many challenges, from climbing the job ladder to work-life balance. We ask artists at different stages in their careers what problems they face – then recruited a set of experts to solve them

From rags to riches
Is the Shane Acker short 9 the least likely candidate for a feature-length CG film yet? Starz Animation and the creatives behind the big-screen adaptation think not. We find out what it was like to work with legendary director Tim Burton

Siggraph 2009
As the conference moved beyond its Los Angeles heartland, attendance fell by over 60 per cent on 2008. But despite its diminished size, the 3D industry‘s leading trade event was not without incidental pleasures. Read our extended coverage of the event, including analysis, new software and technology in this issue

Practical training for every major 3D package
Applications covered this issue include: 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, Cinema 4D, LightWave 3D, Shake, Poser, Carrara, Photoshop

Expanded Projects section
Stay in touch with your peers with this month‘s best commercial 3D work

Inspirational imagery
The best new personal artwork from around the world

On test this issue
modo 401, Vue 7.5 xStream, bonzai3d, AutoPano Giga 2.0

Also in issue 121

• Debrief: Axis Animation‘s Renault Clio ‘Animals‘ ad spot
• 3D legends reflect on life-changing work. This issue: Alphaville, a Strange Case of Lemmy Caution
• Letter from Hollywood: Vanity will win out over digital doubles, argues Craig Zerouni.

ON THE CD
Software, models, textures and video training worth $543

DAZ Studio 3
Full 3D figure-posing software – Windows/Mac
Worth $76

10 models
From 3d02.com, DAZ Productions and Flat Pyramid. Various formats
3d02.com models worth $153

12 DigitalReality textures
JPEG format
As sold for $50

3SIX0 HDR file
HDR format
Worth $140

25 SoundScalpel sound FX
WAV format
As sold for $66

The Gnomon Workshop video training
Over 80 minutes of tuition, including expert mental ray training

Download the videos to accompany issue 121's tutorials

In issue 121 of 3D World, Framestore compositing specialist Sam Osborne hosts a visual effects masterclass, helping you create a video sequence of an actor riding a floating hoverboard in the style of scenes from the Back To The Future trilogy.

The videos and scene files here complement the tutorials in 3D World 121, providing extra detail and insight. To order your copy, visit My Favourite Magazines.

Part 1: Create an effects shot
Create a matte around your actor in readiness for compositing.

Scene files, required footage and screen-capture videos are provided here.

Download project files (7.8MB)

Download footage frames (164.6MB)

Download video walkthroughs 1-6 (155.8MB)

Download video walkthroughs 7-10 (172.9MB)

Part 2: Composite an effects shot
Use your rotoscoped matte to create a composite clip

Scene files, required footage and screen-capture videos are provided here.

Recommended installation for footage
Place each tile set in the folder path Footage > Tiles. This Tiles folder should contain four sub-folders: tiles1, tiles2, tiles3 and tiles4. You can optionally place the Tiles folder inside the Footage folder installed with the files for Part 1.

Download project files (79.2MB)

Download footage tiles set 1 (201.0MB)

Download footage tiles set 2 (201.1MB)

Download footage tiles set 3 (191.4MB)

Download footage tiles set 4 (199.8MB)

Download video walkthroughs (162.0MB)

Download bonus 3D video walkthroughs (78.7MB)

Download final composite video (147.9MB)