About the Authors

Jim Lammers is an animator, instructor, and reseller of Maya based in Kansas City, Missouri. A graduate of the University of Missouri's Electrical Engineering program, he switched to freelance animation within a few years of graduation and formed his company Trinity Animation in 1992. Since then, Jim has combined animation production with training and 3D software sales. Trinity Animation's web site is a popular source worldwide for 3D software and related tools. Jim coordinates an active animation user 's group in Kansas City, and continues to produce animation. He created 3D effects for the Sony/TriStar film Starship Troopers in 1997 under renowned Hollywood effects veteran, Peter Kuran, and his company, VCE. Jim's other past animation work includes visualization projects for clients such as Nestle, McDonald's, and Butler Manufacturing. Jim can be reached at [e-mail].

Lee Gooding is currently studying Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, where he works with a variety of graphics-related technology. Lee is a self-taught Maya user, who first explored 3D animation at Blue Valley High School ”one of the first high schools to teach this new visualization technology. Gooding worked with Lammers at Trinity Animation in 2000, developing training materials for Maya. He is currently focusing on completing his education and developing his own 3D projects. Lee has hopes of mastering MEL to become a true Maya guru. Lee can be reached at [e-mail].