mental ray
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. These are the first three classes in the artist track, the 100-level classes.

101 - Using mental ray - Shaders
102 - Using mental ray - Finalgathering
103 - Using mental ray - Motion and the rasterizer

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, Using mental ray - 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, Using mental ray - 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, Using mental ray - 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 this class series include:

1. Experience using one of the 3D applications (Maya, XSI, 3ds max, etc.).
2. Basic understanding of object types -- polygonal, subdivision surfaces, surfaces (NURBs), etc.
3. Basic familiarity with texture mapping, uv coordinates, etc.
4. Understanding of scene hierarchy -- local vs. global coordinate systems, etc.
5. Knowledge of how to use the application's material assignment UI.
6. Knowledge of where to find mental ray render settings, and have rendered using mental ray.

Cost

Each single day of this 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.

General Training Program Information

Our training program contains separate tracks of classes, each track targeting artists, TDs or programmers. We created an introductory class series of single-day classes for artists who use mental ray, and desire a better understanding of how it works within applications. 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. 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

Except for a temporary relocation to Digital Domain's training facility in Spring 2007, 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

October 2007

Class 101 - Using mental ray - Shaders
Monday, Exact date TBD, 10AM-6PM

Class 102 - Using mental ray - Finalgathering
Tuesday, TBD, 10AM-6PM

Class 103 - Using mental ray - Motion and the Rasterizer
Wednesday, TBD, 10AM-6PM

November 2007

Class 101-103 - Using mental ray Series
and/or new 200-series classes
Monday-Wednesday, Exact date TBD, 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.