The DVD is split in to a dozen easily digestible chunks. Starting with a general overview introducing the various tools and tricks Joe uses, as well as his ‘this is how I work – do the same‘ approach. Joe uses a great number of MAXScripts from other authors, which caught me off guard as I expected him to do all the hard work himself, however, once I got my head around the fact, I realised it was no different to using any of MAX‘s native scripts or Modifiers and recognised what a nice advert it was and how valuable they clearly were to this kind of workflow.
A Simple Rules chapter guides you through some common errors and important things to remember when setting up your rig and then its on to the examples with everyone‘s favourite – getting a car wheel to turn correctly using Wired Controllers.
The examples continue at what I would consider quite an advanced level of 3ds Max use, offering pro users something to really get their teeth in to. The scripted Custom Attribute chapter does what the name says, showing how to write an attribute from scratch, in this case a Controller for a building being shaken by an earthquake. Following on from that, a chapter on Tagging a rig really opens up what can be done in MAX with a bit of knowledge. A rustling clump of grass with a collision requirement that I would have spent ages faking, Joe solves with remarkable skill and in a way that offers easy customisation and control.
The Squash and Stretch chapter demonstrates sharing attributes across bouncy text objects and the Mechanical Jellyfish Rig again does exactly what you‘d expect by demonstrating the use of Constraints and Controllers to make animating the object a hundred times easier.
The examples continue with some lovely animator controlled PFlow bubbles, exceptional signs dangling from a wire, a recap of everything in the form of dynamic wire across telegraph poles, the cover image section on mixing wave modifiers, controllers and reactor to simulate USB sticks being thrown into the air and finally a bonus chapter on scripting the use of TurboSmooth at render time.
While the examples shown may appear very specific to Joe‘s own work, there is a huge amount of information to learn here, and the fact the examples are being used in paid jobs proves their effectiveness. Newcomers to 3ds Max really would struggle with the concepts of script use and Controllers here, but anyone eager to get into scripting or are already active will find this a valuable resource.
Verdict
An excellent look at MAXScript in proven work environments. Good narration and variation in use make this a very good investment.
9/10
Details
Intermediate to advanced level DVD training
Running time 5 Hours 26
$69.95 / €51 / £45
Overview
MAXScripts – Workflow – Resources
Simple Rules
Controller and Constraints
Scripted Custom Attributes
Tagging the rig (userprops)
Production Examples
Squash and Stretch Text Rig
Mechanical Jellyfish rig
PFlow and Animator Controls (Bubbles)
Swinging Signs
Dynamic Wire rig (resizable)
USB Keys (reactor cheat)
TurboSmooth at Rendertime (Automation)
Publisher: JoeGunn3d.com
Author: Joe Gunn
