Three-dimensional graphics are being used in all phases of commercial and film production. From TV shows and feature films to broadcast and web commercials, 3D animation is becoming part of the toolkit for stretching creative visual and narrative boundaries. There is a limitless array of uses for 3D graphics and animation, making it a skill set increasingly in demand. This course uses Autodesk Maya to introduce students to 3D modeling, rendering and animation, taking an informative look at the range and capabilities of one of the most powerful graphics applications. Students get hands-on experience with polygon modeling, nurbs modeling, subdivision modeling, lighting, texturing, photorealistic rendering, special effects, character animation, particle systems, dynamics and more. Maya is used for feature films, games and animation for television, making this course a great introduction to all the features offered by the animation industry's flagship software.