Appropriate for any intermediate-to-advanced course on animation, visual effects, digital imagery, or computer game design that utilizes Maya 5. Inside Maya 5.0 illuminates the entire Maya animation production process, step-by-step, from concept to completion, covering both visual and technical issues in unparalleled depth. Thoroughly updated to reflect Alias Wavefront Maya 5.0s many new tools, upgrades, and enhancements, it walks students through constructing a complete animated project from beginning to end, using reference files provided on CD-ROM. The books authors and guest contributors bring world-class experience working with Pixar, ILM, frogdesign, Apple Industrial Design Group, and many other leading animation and design organizations. They illuminate professional Maya workflow, while sharing deep knowledge of every facet of the animation process. Coverage includes: modeling formats and methods; modeling sets, props, and characters; technical direction; particles and dynamics; character setup and rigging; shading, lighting, and rendering; and much more. This edition also contains an extensive discussion of using MEL to customize and automate production.