The training classes are designed to provide participants with the skills needed to succeed as shader writers and look developers. In addition to teaching the relevant aspects of the software, we provide methods for creative problem solving, working with others and designing for maintainability. Our instructors are experienced industry professionals who teach the skills they use and have taught others to use.

Each part of the class concludes with an exercise practicing the concepts taught. Each exercise builds on the last, as the instructors answer questions and give one-on-one support. In the 400-level classes, software development principles are taught through the exercises and summarized at the end of the class for reflection.

Training Software and Development Environment
In the 100-level classes, we perform the exercises on industry standard 3D applications. We designed the exercises to teach the basic mental ray concepts across these platforms.

In 300- and 400- level classes, we train with standalone mental ray version 3.4, running on Linux/Mac OSX/Win XP. We assume familiarity with Text Editors. We present techniques to speed up the interactive feedback loop of writing/editing, compiling, rendering and analyzing.

All students will use a standalone mental ray enabled by either a shared license server, or the license they receive for taking the class. In the course of the class, or before it, each student may install the academic, non-commercial use license for personal use.

Prerequisites
For all the levels of training classes, we assume basic experience using mental ray from within a 3D application (Maya, XSI, 3ds max).

For the 100-level artist track classes, we have few other prerequisites. We recommend taking class 101 before others in this series.

For the planned 200-level artist track classes, we will assume a high level of proficiency in the application, at the level of Master Classes.

For the 300-level TD track class, we suggest facility with text based entry and editing of files, as well as familiarity with command line execution. For this level, we do not require programming language experience, however, it could help to have a general understanding of program structure and flow.

For the 400-level programmer track class, we strongly suggest facility with text based entry and editing of files. Familiarity with command line execution and OS specific idiosyncrasies will keep the pace of the class going smoothly. In addition, we assume basic knowledge of C programming, including:

• Variable declaration and definition
• Control structures: "if/else", "for", "while", "switch"
• Function definition
• Pointers: declaration, dereferencing, casting of "void*" pointers, use as function
• arguments for return values
• Structs: pointer syntax, field access
• Compilation, linking and definition of shared libraries.

Location
We offer the training classes at RFX in Hollywood, CA. Although this class and the instructors are based out of Los Angeles, participants from around the world are welcome.

Training Class FAQ