This DVD shows the modeling process of a Hudson J3a steam train. Topics covered include the various aspects of working on large technical projects, workflow and modeling tips and tricks, scripted tools creation, etc. Visit the CG Academy for more information.

Check out some impressive images by Chinese artist Weiye Yin, created using 3DS Max.

A special two-day conference presented by Autodesk's Media and Entertainment division: this 2-day intensive training, presented by engineers from the 3DS Max development team, will outline techniques and best practices for unlocking the power of 3DS Max at the lowest levels. Specific areas of focus will include IGame, IGameExporter XML, MaxScript, the SDK, Direct X, shader handling, custom Max materials, and a variety of other foundational issues. Conference will take place on November 29-30 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. More information at Autodesk.com.

There is a job posted for a full time 3dsmax and combustion artist at Vandenberg Air Force Base (near Santa Barbara). Full information can be found here, just follow the instructions at the bottom of the job description.

Take a look at the online portfolio of Nathan Fariss, a graduate from the Kansas City Art Institute who's worked on the VFX of movies such as The Day After Tomorrow, Sin City and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The tutorials, scripts and HDRI sections of his website are also worth the détour.

Power NURBS is a hybrid modeling system that brings the highest orders of surfacing, solids modeling, analysis, and tessellation technologies to 3DS Max and Viz users. Power NURBS provides advanced Solids Modeling tools like Booleans, shelling and variable radius filleting that are normally found only in high end CAD systems; it also provides advanced Surface Modeling tools like high continuity blending, multi-rail sweeps, and high continuity class-A surfaces normally available only in expensive Surface Modeling products. More information at NPowerSoftware.com.

Richard Rosenman has been updating his website with some of his latest work. Check it out!

PolyBoost version 2.0 for 3DS Max released with a large amount of new innovative tools. Viewport texture painting/cloning, Topology brush, viewport UVW mapping tweaking and much more. Preview video available. Visit www.polyboost.com for more info.

In the past year 3DM3.com [3dm3.com] provided a similar competition, called "The most beautiful CG girl". Visitors to the site expressed great interest in the contest. Now they have decided to run it again. Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to 'The most beautiful CG girl competition #2' [3dm3.com].

Principles of Motion are offering a collection of DVDs for animators with reference material on human motion. Rhino House are also continuing their Muybridge-style reference material series with The Human Motion Show.

Digital House has released a new layer manager that functions on top of the Max system and allows for better control over scene layers, offering features such as a hierarchical layer system, faster assignment of materials through the use of layers and the ability to work with layer properties en masse.

Uncharted Territory, LLC is currently producing a 6 hour miniseries for Sci-Fi channel. Executive produced by Bryan Singer (X-men) and Dean Devlin (ID4). They have several immediate openings for 3DS Max artists, for previz work, animation and lighting (mid-level or higher experience required). Work will be on-site at the L.A. office, near LAX.   [ more... ]

Autodesk have posted some impressive feature videos showing off the new capabilities in 3DS Max 8, including pelt mapping, improvements in Character Studio, Skin, NLA, .XAF file format for storing and loading animation data, etc., etc. Check 'em out!

Boston-based Archpartners are seeking architects and general 3D artists living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with experience using Max and third party renderers for producing quality work. Experience with architectural renderings a plus. These are full-time positions (not freelance work), Archpartners are looking forward to assembling a dedicated team in Buenos Aires. Interested people should contact jobs05@archpartners.com. Emails may be written in Spanish.

Download software and tutorials from Pixologic.com.

Wes Burke interviews talented Canadian artist Neil Blevins for CGUnderground.com.

The fine folks from El Portal del 3D y la Animación have launched 3DAPlayer.com, a new website for Spanish-speakers that will focus on video game news and reviews. We wish them the best of luck. Visit 3DAPlayer.com. (Spanish)

"Box#3 is about more raw power and more flexibility to the Particle Flow artists. It gives the ability to get deeper into the guts of the Particle Flow engine, and design your own operators and tests without the headaches of maxscript and/or C++." The plugin includes new Particle Flow operators for caching, and is compatible with 3DS Max versions 6, 7 and up. Check out the demo videos and if you're interested in participating in the beta testing process, read the invitation to beta testers at Orbaz Technologies' forums.

BioGraphic Technologies has announced the release of AI.implant v3.5, the latest version of their crowd simulation software. New functionality includes: motion quality improvements (characters move in a more natural-looking way), time unit-independence (AI.implant is no longer only frame-based) and support for Max r7. New videos have been added to the AI.implant animation gallery.

Read the list of upcoming plugins and features at ZBrushCentral.com.

The latest upgrade of the Primatte keying software includes a deartifacting technology that pre-treats DV and HDV material for delivering better keys, an enhanced UI and new split screen View modes for more efficient keying, Alpha channel adjustment integrated into the keyer, etc. Visit RedGiantSoftware.com for more.

Read the news at Digit Magazine.

As you are all undoubtedly aware, the American Gulf Coast was hit by a category 5-4 hurricane dubbed Katrina [wikipedia.com]. This hurricane has caused massive destruction and flooding in the gulf area, and continues to wreak havoc upon most of the eastern states. Initial recovery from this disaster is expected to take weeks. As always, donations to causes such as the Red Cross are welcomed and appreciated.

However, on a more specific note, some of you may not have known that one of the leading 3D content publishers, Turbo Squid [turbosquid.com], is situated [maps.google.com] in one of the worst-hit areas - New Orleans.
We ask for your attention to the following two threads on the Turbo Squid forums as more information on their situation comes in, and how you may be able to help those affected out best as part of the 3D community;

Message From The CEO [turbosquid.com]
Turbo Squid status [turbosquid.com]