Master the art of using combustion™ to combine digital elements such as a 3ds max® rendering with video footage or stills! The newest addition to our Ground Rules Series, this how-to manual is one of the first resources available for computer artists and animators who want to learn how to make optimal use of combustion - a powerful Macintosh®- and Windows®-based desktop solution from Discreet® that provides a unified paint, animation, and 3D composition environment in which cutting-edge graphics and compelling visual effects can be created.

Step-by-step tutorials based on real-world applications of combustion take center stage in this book, acquainting beginner through intermediate users with 90% of the features of the combustion software while introducing professional 2D and 3D compositing and painting techniques. Fast-paced and thoroughly engaging, these tutorials provide a swift and effective means of gaining first-hand insights into the combustion interface and workflow. Because the tutorials are based on real-world applications, all new skills gained as a result of working through this book are directly relevant to the needs of technically-savvy computer artists and animators working in today's highly sophisticated post-production and 3D animation environments.

Features:

• AVI files (on the accompanying CD-ROM) depict step-by-step solutions to 100% of the tutorials, speeding learning by showing readers exactly how the tutorial is completed in the interface
• full-color inserts offer key color information and showcase images from tutorials, sparking excitement about the results that can be achieved using this all-around compositing and special FX tool
• a unique Quick Start chapter allows readers to gain valuable hands-on experience and insights into using Paint and combustion to produce a simple composite image, establishing a foundation for developing more advanced skills
• technical terms are explained thoroughly before they are applied, enhancing the reader's understanding while improving their ability to communicate with post-production houses, broadcast graphic arts departments, and specialized post boutiques
• detailed information on integrating combustion with 3ds max and discreet edit is included, allowing the book to serve equally well as a how-to manual and long-lasting reference

• Overview of combustion
• The combustion interface
• Quick start tutorial
• Using and adjusting color
• Compositing fundamentals
• Paint
• Tracking
• Particles
• Text
• Intermediate compositing
• 3D compositing
• Integration with 3ds max and other 3d software packages
• A look at advanced topics on combustion