Maya 4.5 Fundamentals takes the user from a review of 3D fundamentals to a working knowledge of creating content in Maya 4.5. Topics covered include the interface and primary tools, modeling with NURBS and polygons, applying materials and textures, lighting, using modifiers and deformers, animating scenes, using cameras, rendering stills and animations, and using particle systems, dynamics, and paint effects. New features in 4.5 are also included in this updated and expanded version. Special appendices cover making the change from 3ds max or LightWave to Maya. Video-captured movies on the accompanying CD supplement the tutorial foundation of the book and will provide a salient selling point. The most exciting thing to be included on the CD is the video-captured tutorial movies created to supplement the tutorials in the book. This feature alone has the equivalent value of several training videos. In addition, the CD will include project files and color screen captures.