CGProShop - Learning 3D Character Animation with Jeff Lew

From the Lead Animator of Matrix Reloaded, Learning 3D Character Animation with Jeff Lew is one of the few real character animation classes on DVD. There are so many how-to videos on the market showing you how to setup a character or model a character in a specific 3D software package, but very few training videos showing you actually how to animate a character in 3D.

This DVD will teach you strong fundamentals necessary for creating great character animation in any 3D animation software package. This DVD will also teach you how to animate efficiently and effectively on the computer, something you cannot learn from reading a book.

DVD CONTENTS:

PART 1: Tools and Technical Methods (1 hr 32 min)
This section explains the functions of the standard animation tools used currently for 3D character animation. It illustrates how animation software processes animation data, giving the viewer an important understanding of how computer animation works. Finally, it reveals the common mistakes made by animators, and how to trouble shoot technical problems.

PART 2: Artistic Principles and Applications (1 hr 21 min)
This section covers the major artistic principles and theories behind animation, and how to apply these principles using the tools shown in the Part 1. It uses many different animations to illustrate these principles

PART 3: Complete Animation Example (58 min)
This section follows a complete character animation process from start to finish. The 5-hour animation process has been edited down to 1 hour. This section uses the tools, techniques, and principles shown in the previous sections in an actual character animation process.

If you're seriously considering getting into character animation, the information and lessons presented in Learning 3D Character Animation is invaluable and will prove useful in any setting.
Tito "Lildragon" Belgrave

I'm a graphic artist in a local tv station and I use Max, but this dvd is great. I really see solutions to the problems in my character animation. Very descriptive to the point, and the outtakes are hilarious.
B. Angulo

Lots of real world experience went into this dvd. And what I appreciate the most is the effort Jeff put in to make it entertaining as well as educational. It's well worth the asking price. I hope Jeff decides to do more dvds, because he did an awesome job on this one!
Paul Holm

DVD SPECIFICATIONS:

Total Run Time:		231 minutes (nearly 4 hours long!)
Audience Level:		Beginner to Intermediate
3D Software:		For any character animation software. Not software specific.
DVD type:		Dual-Layer video DVD (DVD-9)
Video Format:		NTSC 4:3 Color (PAL not supported)
Audio:		Dolby Digital Stereo
Language:		English
Subtitles:		None
Region Coding:		All Region