* Mental ray is the built-in renderer for Maya, 3ds max and XSI, and the industry standard for rendering 3D models into fully textured, realistic-looking characters and scenes like those in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and The Matrix: Reloaded
* As the first book devoted to mental ray, this guide will be valuable to every film and video game artist, animator, effects specialist, game developer, and industrial and architectural designer
* Features serious information for serious professionals, with real-world tutorials from the author's own studio and classrooms and a color insert showing studio-quality renderings
* This book enables artists to make informed decisions on lighting, texture, and workflow so they can transform their creations into high-quality, photo-realistic characters, objects, and landscapes
* Includes a value-packed CD-ROM with HDR images; programming plug-ins worth $100; and models, textures, and rendered samples that allow readers to compare their work
