Wisdom from the best and the brightest in the industry, this visual effects bible belongs on the shelf of anyone working in or aspiring to work in VFX. The book covers techniques and solutions all VFX artists/producers/supervisors need to know, from breaking down a script and initial bidding, to digital character creation and compositing of both live-action and CG elements.
In-depth lessons on stereoscopic moviemaking, color management and digital intermediates are included, as well as chapters on interactive games and full animation authored by artists from EA and Dreamworks respectively. From predproduction to acquisition to postproduction, every aspect of the VFX production workflow is given prominent coverage. VFX legends such as John Knoll, Mike Fink, and John Erland provide you with invaluable insight and lessons from the set, equipping you with everything you need to know about the entire visual effects workflow.
Simply a must-have book for anyone working in or wanting to work in the VFX industry.
* Comprehensive field guide from the preeminent Visual Effects Society provides instruction from the pros with techniques and workflow efficiencies for the entire VFX pipeline, preproduction through post * 4 color presentation and visuals from recent Hollywood blockbusters provide inspiration alongside instruction * Companion website takes your learning even further, including reference charts, visual examples of lessons from the book, as well as video interviews with VFX artists
This book is so comprehensive I wouldn't think you'd need any other books unless you wanted to learn how to use specific computer programs. All of the detailed principals are described. Model making, CGI, Computer Games, Composites, Motion Capture, it's all there and more.
This feels like an accomplishment. A lot of the end chapters seem redundant and vague- but this is due to the ever evolving nature of digital and despite the fact that this version is over seven years old the concepts still feel relevant. The beginning chapters about practical effects were fantastic and I would like to read more of that.
If you're in the visual effects/film industry or learning about it, then I'd highly recommend you buy this book as you'll be referring back to it often.
I was lucky enough to go through one of Okun's Gnomon Master Classes. It was not only fun but very enlightening. I think this book will stand as a reference guide for a long time to come. But the problem is that the VFX industry is so vast in content that no single book can be used as the ultimate reference. Its not a single line formula that will solve anything and everything. But its people like Okun that make it that much easier. Atleast our heads will have a little more clarity with a few things from among a million things that we need to understand.
I strongly believe that Okun's book will bridge the gap more than half the way to totality as far as VFX goes.