mental ray
TD 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. This class is the first in the TD track, the 300-series classes.

301 - Shader Network Design: Phenomena

This 3-day class offering is intended for TDs, or technical artists, who wish to extend mental ray capability beneath their application. This class, named Shader Network Design: 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, Shader Network Design: 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 the Shader Network Design 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.

304 - Installation and Customization

This 1-day class offering is intended for TDs, or technical artists, who want extra information on installation and customization issues with respect to both standalone and the application.

Cost

For the one-day Installation and Customization class, the price is $195 US.

305 - Performance Optimization

This 2-day class offering is intended for TDs, or technical artists, who are responsible for optimizing the rendering speed while retaining quality. Internal mental ray mechanisms will be discussed to provide a foundation for understanding how to adapt parameters for a variety of scene types.

Cost

For the two-day Performance Optimization class, the price is $350 US in LA, or 270 Euros in London.

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

June 2008

Class 301 - Shader Network Design: Phenomena
Mon-Wed., June 16-18, 10AM-6PM

Class 305 - Performance Optimization
Thu-Fri., June 19-20, 10AM-6PM

October 2008

Class 301 - Shader Network Design: Phenomena
Mon-Wed., October 13-15, 10AM-6PM

Class 305 - Performance Optimization
Thu-Fri., October 16-17, 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.