Body language: Advanced 3D character rigging

Character rigging is one of the most difficult tasks in the production pipeline. It is also one of the most essential. Failure to correctly rig a character will frustrate animators and lead to delays or, even worse, unrealistic results. Whether you aspire to create your own animation or work in the animation industry, Body Language: Advanced 3D Character Rigging is the perfect resource for multiple parts of the production process that goes into 3D animation. With a focus on the foundation and advanced concepts of character rigging, authors Eric Allen and Kelly L. Murdock will give you a secure base setup as well as teach you some interesting and unique ways to deform a 3D character. More difficult aspects of the 3D pipeline are also discussed, including the "Pipeline in a Box" method of referencing, UVLayout, Maya Muscle systems, and scripting techniques. This book will help you cut through the clutter and present a clear path for you to follow for rigging compelling and realistic characters.

Introduction.

Chapter 1 The Vehicle to Get You There: Applications and Approaches.

Chapter 2 Getting to Know You: Mayas Interface.

Chapter 3 Rigging Thats Right: Rigging Concepts You Need to Know.

Chapter 4 Torso Rigging Techniques.

Chapter 5 Creating Contrapposto: Perfecting Pelvis Rigging.

Chapter 6 Arms of Mass Deformation: Real and Unreal Arm Creation.

Chapter 7 Getting a Leg Up on the Competition: Understanding Legs and Feet.

Chapter 8 Hands That Grab Your Attention: Hand Rigging Techniques.

Chapter 9 A Head above the Rest: Controlling the Head and Neck.

Chapter 10 What Are You Looking At? Realistic Eyes.

Chapter 11 Show Your Teeth: Creating the Mouth and Jaw.

Chapter 12 Cant You See What Im Saying? Logical Viseme Creation

Chapter 13 Control That Face of Yours:Working with Expressions and Facial User Interfaces.

Chapter 14 Deforming and Organizing Your Rig.

Chapter 15 Mel Scripting: An Introduction.

Chapter 16 UV Mapping and UVLayout.

Chapter 17 Maya Muscle.

Chapter 18 The Skinny on Skinning: Effective Surface Attachment.

Chapter 19 Implementing a Character Pipeline: Pipeline in a Box.

Appendix About the Companion CD.

Index.