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. This class is the first in the TD track, the 300-level classes.

301 - Developing mental ray® Phenomena

This class offering is intended for TDs, or technical artists, who wish to extend mental ray capability beneath their application. This class, named Developing mental ray Phenomena, does not rely on C programming knowledge as our shader writing class does. However, it will cover mental ray with considerable breadth and depth, as you work with .mi scene files to develop Phenomena from shader graphs.

The outline of this class, Developing mental ray Phenomena is very similar to the outline for the programming track class, Writing mental ray shaders. The difference is primarily in that we do not show C language shader implementations, and that our exercises will focus on building Phenomena. It can be noted that both classes rely on standalone mi scene file manipulation, and that understanding scene structure gives insight into both use and construction of shader graphs. In addition, this class can be used as a step toward learning about writing shaders.

Prerequisites

The minimum requirements for taking the class include:

1. Experience using mental ray in one of the 3D applications (Maya, XSI, 3ds max, etc.).
2. Familiarity with indirect illumination techniques
   • GI and caustics photon mapping
   • Finalgathering
3. Knowledge of scripting language or common CG scene file format idioms:
   • Variable declaration and type definition
   • File data structures: block begin/end, keyword/value pairs
4. Reasonable proficiency with a text editor and command-line tools.

Cost

Our introductory price for this training class is $495.00 US. It does not include a personal use license of standalone mental ray, as our shader writing class does. 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

June 2007

Class 301 - Developing mental ray Phenomena
Mon-Wed., June 4-6, 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.