This DVD breaks down the individual components necessary to stage a successful environment design. First covered are the basics of perspective, followed by demos explaining the use of scale and composition. Next, the fundamentals of lighting and values are illustrated. Finally, watch Feng sketch out various environments, incorporating all the topics covered above.

This DVD demonstrates the basic techniques of digital matte painting for visual effects in a production environment. Dusso combines elements of photography, simple 3D models and freehand painting techniques within Adobe Photoshop, merging the boundaries of realism with graphic illustration for stunning impact.

To become a skilled matte painter, one must understand the essential properties of photographed light. This DVD follows Dusso through the first stages of the matte painting process, focusing on the properties of photographed light through the execution of nine different digital color sketches. These are quick exercises that demonstrate the blocking in of shapes and colors to train your skills at creating visually pleasing and realistic results.

In this DVD, John presents the entire process of creating an outer space effects sequence. Starting with a space ship and a camera move, John takes the viewer through a step-by-step look at how to create a sequence that includes following a space ship as it breaks free of a tractor beam, launches out of planetary orbit, then flies through a field of asteroids and starbirth nebula clouds. John uses Maya's Dynamics system to build elements in the shots, demonstrating their use within the shot environment. He shows how to use cloud particles as a volume surface on which to project shaders to simulate nebulas that can be both stunning backgrounds and realistic clouds that can be flown through. John also walks you through a series of simple effects that add dynamic detail to the shots: sprite-stars, tractor beams, explosions, an energy field and an asteroid field. This lecture will enable you to create fantastic outer space shots that push the scope of imagination.

This series introduces the essential techniques for creating digital sets and backgrounds, an area of visual effects growing in prominence. In this second disc of a series of three, visual effects designer Eric Hanson covers the global illumination revolution, reviewing lighting principles specific to digital sets. He then leads into direct lighting techniques for both exteriors and interiors. Finally, the lesson highlights digital set texturing, including Adobe Photoshop techniques, and how to weather surfaces with procedural shaders. Throughout the disc, Eric uses a sample scene of an urban environment to highlight all essential steps. This series is designed for all advancing intermediate Maya artists.