Maya 4.5 Savvy is the first of Sybex's authorized, Alias|Wavefront Approved titles. Written by a top-notch team of Maya professionals, this book is a thorough update to the best-selling Mastering Maya 3. It offers the most comprehensive coverage available for Alias|Wavefront's powerful software. An all-new chapter on the Fluid Effects features teaches you how to create fluid effects, such as moving liquids, smoke, and fiery explosions. Other key topics include: Modeling with NURBs and polygons; creating realistic textures and shading; and working with particles, dynamics, and MEL. Maya 4.5 Savvy features hands-on tutorials that integrate Maya instruction with real-world advice on planning, organizing, and managing your Maya creations. A full-color insert illustrates the techniques discussed in the book. And the enclosed CD includes Alias|Wavefront's Maya Personal Learning Edition 4.5 software (among other valuable tools), making this a true all-in-one solution.