Calendar 2008
Meetings
Cars, planes, boats TBD
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mental ray
Artist Track Training Information
mental images® is now offering three separate tracks of mental ray® training classes from its Training and Consulting Services. On the main mental images site, see mental ray Training and Consulting. There are two series of classes in the artist track: one (100-series) for learning general mental ray concepts, and one (200-series) for learning how to achieve specific looks, targeting specific shaders or shader types.
General Artist class series - Using mental ray
These are the first three classes in the genaral artist track, Using mental ray series.
This class offering is actually a series of one-day classes intended for artists, who wish to learn more about mental ray. This class series, named Using mental ray, does not rely on C programming knowledge, as our shader writing class does, or editing of text files, as our Phenomena developing class does. However, it will cover mental ray with the same level of breadth and depth, and you will work with a custom set of shaders developed for the training classes. For all of the exercises in this series, we use mental ray from within the 3D application and do not use standalone.
In the first class in this series, Shaders, we expose the framework of mental ray as we cover all the shader possibilities and how they integrate into the 3d applications. We show the elemental capabilities of mental ray with a custom shader library and relate that to the application-specific shader library implementations.
In the second class for this series, Finalgathering, we explore Finalgathering in depth, from an understanding of the concepts, to practical methods for applying this knowledge to your scenes. We also discuss ambient occlusion as it relates to finalgathering.
In the third class for this series, Motion and the rasterizer, we explore the motion blur techniques, providing an understanding of spatial and temporal samples, filtering, and the various differences of underlying render acceleration algorithms. This helps one learn scene rendering optimization as well as how to use motion blur more effectively.
Prerequisites
The minimum requirements for taking the class 100-series include: - Experience using one of the 3D applications (Maya, XSI, 3ds max, etc.).
- Basic understanding of object types -- polygonal, subdivision surfaces, surfaces (NURBs), etc.
- Basic familiarity with texture mapping, uv coordinates, etc.
- Understanding of scene hierarchy -- local vs. global coordinate systems, etc.
- Knowledge of how to use the application's material assignment UI.
- Knowledge of where to find mental ray render settings, and have rendered using mental ray.
Cost
Each single day of the 100- class series costs $195.00 US in LA, or 150 Euros in London. If you are a student or an intern, please contact us for potential discounts. We will accept major credit cards and Company Checks.
These are the first three specialized classes for artists, the 200-series classes.
This class offering is actually a series of one-day classes intended for artists, who wish to learn more about refining specific look in mental ray. They focus on use of specific shaders or shader types. For all of the exercises in this series, we use mental ray from within the 3D application and do not use standalone. In fact, we primarily lean toward demonstration in Maya in these classes, though these shaders can work across platform.
In the first class in this series, Wood, Glass and Metal, we focus on using the mia_materialshader to acheive specific photorealistic architectural design looks.
In the second class for this series, Marble, Wax and Skin, we focus on using the misss_fast_skin_ and other related-shaders to explore the looks that result from a variety subsurface scattering techniques.
In the third class for this series, Clouds, Smoke and Fire, we focus on volume shading. This class will stay in Maya as we focus even more specifically on the Maya fluids shader for mental ray. Note: Based on demand, we could create classes, or provide consulting for volume shaders in the other applications.
Prerequisites
The minimum requirements for taking the 200-series include: - Experience using one of the 3D applications (Maya, XSI, 3ds max, etc.).
- Class 101 - Shaders, or equivalent experience.
- Class 102 - Indirect Lighting, or equivalent experience
Cost
Each single day of the 200- class series costs $195.00 US (special introductory price) in LA. If you are a student or an intern, please contact us for potential discounts. We will accept major credit cards and Company Checks.
General Training Program Information
Our training program contains separate tracks of classes, each track targeting artists, TDs or programmers.
We created a general introductory class series of single-day classes for artists who use mental ray, and desire a better understanding of how it works within applications. We also have more specialized artist track classes targeting look development using specific shaders, or shader types.
For TDs or technically-oriented artists, we created a comprehensive three-day class for those who wish to extend the capability of mental ray through Phenomena development. We also have classes covering installation and customization, as well as performance optimization.
And for programmers with knowledge of C/C++, we offer a three-day introductory class for shader writing.
Training through this program is typically application independent, however we will usually have your application of preference available for use during the class.
We use standalone mental ray for almost all of the exercises for developing Phenomena or writing shaders.
However, in the "Using mental ray" series, we primarily stay within the application, so we need to match the student's preferred application with our system preparation for class.
Where
The mental ray training classes will be held at RFX in Hollywood, CA.
We are also holding them at Escape Studios in London. Please contact Bart if you are interested in on-site training at your production facility.
When
May 2008
Class 101 - Shaders
Monday, May 12, 10AM-6PM
Class 102 - Indirect Lighting
Tuesday, May 13, 10AM-6PM
Class 103 - Antialiasing and Motion Blur
Wednesday, May 14, 10AM-6PM
Class 201 - Wood, Glass and Metal - mia_material
Thursday, May 15, 10AM-6PM
Class 202 - Marble, Wax and Skin - subsurface scattering
Friday, May 16, 10AM-6PM
September 2008
Class 101 - Shaders
Monday, September 15, 10AM-6PM
Class 102 - Indirect Lighting
Tuesday, September 16, 10AM-6PM
Class 103 - Antialiasing and Motion Blur
Wednesday, September 17, 10AM-6PM
Class 201 - Wood, Glass and Metal - mia_material
Thursday, September 18, 10AM-6PM
Class 202 - Marble, Wax and Skin - subsurface scattering
Friday, September 19, 10AM-6PM How
To sign up for a class, please call Becky Tredway, the CFO/COO of mental images, inc. at (415) 377-9296, or send an email request to training@mental.com.
Please include your full name, phone number, and other pertinent contact information. |
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