Offering character animation functionality previously only available in programs costing two to three times as much, 3ds max 7 is everything you've dreamed of in a 3D modeling program-and more! Here to get you hands-on fast is a project-based guide from one of Discreet's own carefully chosen authorized training specialists, Ted Boardman. Completely updated with brand new tutorials, real-world projects, easy to understand explanations and a CD that includes all the files you need to complete the books many projects, Ted shows you how to maximize the program's potential in virtually any application or industry. You'll quickly learn the basics of modeling, applying materials and maps, applying lighting, and integrating animation before moving on to more advanced topics. You'll also find plenty of coverage of the bells and whistles new to 3ds max 7: Normal Mapping, the Parameter Editor, Paint Selections, as well as the award-winning character animation system, character studio(r).