Meet Michael Hurwicz

Michael Hurwicz www.hurwicz.com Eastsound, Washington USA

Articles by Michael Hurwicz

	Autodesk 3ds Max Particles in 3ds Max 2014: Adjusting Size In this Autodesk 3ds Max 2014 tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz uses the Data operator to adjust the size of particles on the surface of a sphere, based on the separation between the particles. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max Creating a 3D Particle Ball in Autodesk 3ds Max 2014 In this Autodesk 3ds max 2014 tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz uses the Data Operator (available (available for the first time as a standard feature) to create a sphere of particles with random 3D motion. This is done by taking particle rotation data and using it to determine particle position. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max 3ds max 2014: Data Operator & Data Presets for Particle Flow In this Autodesk 3ds max 2014 tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz looks at two features that are now a standard part of the product: The Data Operator allows you to use math, via a graphical user interface, to manipulate particles. Presets allow you to save and load Data Operator setups previously created by you or others. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash Adobe Edge Animate/The Missing Manual Software/Book Review Increasingly, web developers are being asked to create sites that are viewable on tablets and mobile devices, as well as desktops and laptops running Windows, OS X or Linux. One of the challenges in creating a site like that is animation. Flash, for many years the preferred cross-platform animation solution, is no longer supported on many tablets and mobile devices. Michael looks for - and finds - answers within Adobe's Edge Animate. Review, Editorial

	Sony Vegas Sony Vegas Pro 12: The Lightness/a/b Vector Scope In this Sony Vegas 12 tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz looks at the Lightness/a/b Vector Scope. This is a follow-up to the tutorial on the Color Match and LAB Adjust FX, for which the Lightness/a/b Vector Scope is particularly useful. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Sony Vegas Pro 12: Color Match, LAB Adjust & Masking In this Sony Vegas Pro 12 tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz looks at the new Color Match effect, which allows you to match one clip to another; the LAB Adjust effect, which allows you to modify the color match; and the new effect masking capability. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max State Sets for 3ds max 2013, Photoshop & After Effects Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz provides an introduction to State Sets, a new feature in Autodesk 3ds max 2013 that revolutionizes interoperability with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects, as well as opening up new possibilities for working within 3ds max itself. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash HTML5 (CreateJS): Interactivity and Debugging Building on two previous tutorials on CreateJS for Flash Pro CS6, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz introduces interactivity (specifically, responding to a mouse click), debugging using the JavaScript "alert" statement, and assigning names to objects exported from Flash. Project files included. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash HTML5 (CreateJS): Animate with JavaScript Building on a previous introductory tutorial on CreateJS for Flash Pro CS6, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz shows how to modify the JavaScript exported from Flash, to change attributes such as position, speed, wait time, and color. Project files are included. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash HTML5 (CreateJS) for Adobe Flash Professional CS6 Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz provides a brief introduction to CreateJS, an extension for Adobe Flash Professional CS6 that allows you to export Flash projects as HTML and JavaScript, even on platforms that do not support the Flash Player. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Using GPU Acceleration in Sony Vegas Pro 11 GPU Acceleration is the most important enhancement in Sony Vegas Pro 11 for most users. Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz takes you through the basics of using this feature, including making sure you have a supported graphics card, the right driver, and the right build of Vegas. Benefits include smoother previewing at high quality, and faster rendering for AVC files. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas OFX Plug-Ins in Sony Vegas Pro 11: Multiple Parameter Curves Expanded support for OFX plug-ins is an important enhancement in Sony Vegas Pro 11. In this tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz demonstrates the major advantage of OFX Plug-Ins, namely, the ability to manipulate a separate curve for each parameter in the plug-in. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Creating Text in Sony Vegas Pro 11 There are two new text plug-ins in Vegas 11: "Titles & Text" and "NewBlue Titler Pro." In addition, there are some user interface changes in the "ProType Titler" that has been around since Vegas 8. Finally, the "Legacy Text" plug-in is still supported. In this tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz devotes a couple of minutes to each of these, giving you a quick overview of text options - old and new - in Vegas 11. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	AVID Using ReWire to Connect Pro Tools 9 and Sibelius 6 ReWire is a standard that lets you record audio from the Sibelius 6 music scoring program to a digital audio workstation (DAW), such as Avid's Pro Tools. In this tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz shows you how to do that, and offers a few troubleshooting/installation tips, as well. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	MAYA Autodesk Maya: Digital Molecular Matter (DMM) In this Autodesk Maya 2012 tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz looks at Digital Molecular Matter (DMM), a plug-in for creating shatter, destruction and deformation effects. DMM is now included in Maya 2012. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	MAYA Digimation Archive and Model Bank Library Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz reviews two collections of 3D models from Digimation: The Archive and The Model Bank Library. Review, Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash Embedding a Speech Transcript in a Flash Video with Adobe CS5 In this tutorial, Creative COW Leader Michael Hurwicz shows you how to create a scrolling transcript synced with a Flash video, using Adobe Creative Suite 5 (Story, OnLocation, Premiere Pro, Soundbooth and Flash Professional). Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Sony Vegas Pro 10 - 3D Basics Stereoscopic 3D (S3D) is a new feature in Sony Vegas Pro 10. Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz takes you through the basics of creating S3D in Vegas, including setting the 3D mode, importing clips for the left and right views, pairing the clips, adjusting and correcting the 3D footage, and rendering. Includes the .VEG file and left and right eye clips used in the tutorial, as well as two 3D renders: anaglyphic and side-by-side. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Vegas 10 - Multicamera Editing Multicamera editing is a powerful capability which has been enhanced in Sony Vegas 10. Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz takes you through all the main features and functions of multicamera editing. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Image Stabilization in Vegas Pro 10 Image stabilization is a new feature in Vegas Pro 10. In this video tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz goes through the basics of image stabilization, including a workaround for stabilizing Panasonic MXF files, and using takes to preview multiple stabilization alternatives. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash Inverse Kinematics - Springs Springs are a new feature for Inverse Kinematics in Flash CS5. In this video tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz shows you a simple technique for implementing springs, as well as several other "tricks and traps" to make your work with Inverse Kinematics in Flash easier, more flexible and more powerful. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash Inverse Kinematics - Control Points Fine-tune your Inverse Kinematics animations in Flash CS5 by working with control points. In this Adobe Flash video tutorial, Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz shows you how to associate bones with control points, how to move, add and delete control points, and how to adjust control point handles. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash Inverse Kinematics Inverse Kinematics allows you to create structures of bones and joints and use them to animate characters in Flash. Fun and easy! Creative COW leader Michael Hurwicz shows you how in this video tutorial, step by step. Learn some basic ActionScript, too! Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max 3ds Max 2011: Making Ice Cubes / Slate Material Editor In this tutorial, Creative COW Leader Michael Hurwicz uses the new Slate Material Editor in 3ds Max 2011 to create ice cubes. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	MAYA Maya 2011: Camera Sequencer In this tutorial, Michael Hurwicz shows you how to use the new Camera Sequencer in Maya 2011 to import an animatic sequence from Sony Vegas 9.0 using AAF (Advanced Authoring Format). Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	MAYA Maya 2011: Assigning Invisible Faces Michael Hurwicz demonstrates the new "Assign Invisible Faces" feature in Maya 2011, making one face of a cube invisible but still very much "there" when it comes to a smoothing operation performed on the cube. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	MAYA Maya 2011 Bezier Curves In this Maya tutorial, Michael Hurwicz provides an introduction to Bezier curves, a new feature in Maya 2011 which allow you to create curves the way you do with the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk Mudbox Autodesk Mudbox 2010 Dry Brush In this Autodesk Mudbox 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz looks at the new Dry Brush, which allows you to paint only on the raised portions of an object, or alternatively only on the recessed portions. In addition to showing the basics of using the dry brush, the tutorial demonstrates how a larger brush reaches deeper areas of the geometry. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk Mudbox Autodesk Maya 2010 to Mudbox 2010 FBX Export and Import In this tutorial, Michael Hurwicz takes advantage of new support for the FBX file format in Mudbox 2010 to export geometry from Maya 2010 and import it into Mudbox 2010. A problem with painting in Mudbox is solved by scaling UVs down slightly in Maya before exporting the FBX file. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk Mudbox Autodesk Mudbox 2010 Photoshop Export and Import In this Autodesk Mudbox 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz looks at a new feature that allows you to export a paint layer to Photoshop, modify the layer in Photoshop, and then re-import it into Mudbox 2010. The tutorial demonstrates a workflow which allows you to keep both Photoshop and Mudbox open at the same time and conveniently work back and forth between the two programs. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Sony Vegas Raylight Ultra and Sony Vegas 9 Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at DVFilm's Raylight Ultra plug-in, which provides transparent support for Panasonic MXF files in Sony Vegas. Testing Vegas Pro 9 and running under Windows XP and Vista, Michael was happy with Ultra's core functionality but had problems with its suppress recompression feature. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Three Books on 3ds Max Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at three books on 3ds Max (two new ones based on 3ds Max 2010, and one based on 3ds Max 2009) and finds each useful in its own way. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Introduction to 3ds Max 2010 Particle Paint Helper In this 3ds Max 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz Michael Hurwicz looks at the new Particle Paint feature, which allows you to spray particle seeds on any object. You then use new operators in the Particle Flow system to convert these seeds to particles. The tutorial demonstrates freehand painting and uses the new Birth Paint operator to convert the seeds to particles. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max Introduction to 3ds Max 2010 Graphite Modeling Tools In this 3ds Max 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz introduces the new Graphite Modeling Tools, and in particular the Generate Topology feature, which allows you to quickly change the underlying structure of an editable poly to resemble bricks, tiles, diamond shapes, and a number of other options. The tutorial uses bricks as a demonstration of this capability. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max Introduction to 3ds Max 2010 Viewport Label Menus In this 3ds Max 2010 tutorial, Michael Hurwicz looks at the new viewport label menus, which provide quicker access to some of the most common viewport-related functions, such as showing statistics, showing and hiding the grid, changing the view (e.g. front, back, perspective), and changing the shading mode (e.g. smooth and highlights, wireframe, edged faces).. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max Introduction to the View Cube and the Steering Wheel In this 3ds Max tutorial, Michael Hurwicz provides an introduction to the View Cube and the Steering Wheel, new features in 3ds Max 2009 which make it easier to perform viewport navigation operations like orbit, pan and zoom. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Autodesk 3ds Max 3ds Max: Introduction to the InfoCenter In this 3ds Max tutorial, Michael Hurwicz provides an introduction to the InfoCenter, a new feature in 3ds Max 2009 which makes it easier to search and navigate documentation and other sources of information. Tutorial, Video Tutorial

	Adobe Flash Flash CS3 Professional Video Studio Techniques Author/Videographer/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz examines Flash CS3 Professional Video Studio Techniques by Robert Reinhardt, and recommends it to those looking to push their Flash sites to professional levels of reliability and user-friendliness. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max HP XW4600 Workstation Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at The HP XW4600 Workstation and finds it a good value in terms of price/performance and productivity. Review

	Sony Vegas DVFilm Raylight in Sony Vegas Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at DVFilm's Raylight plug-in, which provides transparent support for Panasonic MXF files in Sony Vegas. Michael finds Raylight to be an elegant and reliable solution. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Max Monster Pak Michael Hurwicz looks at Max Monster Pak, a giant collection of 3D models, textures, motion capture files, and bonus software for 3d max from Digimation. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Animation Writing and Development: from Script Development to Pitch Author/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz examines ''Animation Writing and Development: from Script Development to Pitch'' by Jean Ann Wright, and finds it inspiring and informative. Definitely recommended for anyone who wants a career in writing for animation, or who is developing an animation script or idea. Wright is a seasoned industry professional, and it shows. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Dell's new Precision M90 mobile workstation Author/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz gives us a first look at Dell's new Precision M90 mobile workstation, and finds that it's a significant step forward in technology. But should you wait for what's around the corner? Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Stop Staring Author/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz examines ''Stop Staring'' by Jason Osipa, and finds that the author manages to make his detailed, in-the-trenches instruction fun. Highly recommended if you want to really get down into the details of lip sync and facial animation. Review

	Autodesk Combustion Combustion 4 Training Course Michael Hurwicz looks at Kenneth LaRue's combustion 4 training DVDs and concludes that this set is great for novices and intermediates alike, but if you're already an expert, you may only need the 'What's New in Combustion 4' set that's available. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Advanced 3ds Max Character Modeling Michael Hurwicz looks at Advanced 3ds Max Character Modeling, a training DVD by Kenny Cooper (demo artist and primary narrator) and Jim Lammers (project manager and some narration) of Trinity3D. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max Model, Rig, Animate with 3ds Max 7 Author/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz examines 'Model, Rig, Animate with 3ds max 7' by Michele Bousquet. This slim volume covers the entire process of creating a 3D character animaton, from modeling to rigging and animation. It is very step-by-step in its approach. Although the subject matter is intermediate, even dedicated beginners should be able to follow along. Highly recommended. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max MAXScript 101 Author/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz looks at MAXScript 101, a training DVD by John Wainwright, the creator of MAXScript and determines that this is one of the best video-based training courses of any kind. Review

	Sony Vegas Sony Vegas 6 Michael Hurwicz looks at Sony's Vegas 6.0 video/audio editing software, picking up where Jim Harvey left off. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max 3ds Max 7 Courseware and Training DVDs Michael Hurwicz looks at 3ds Max 7 Courseware and Training DVDs from Autodesk Media and Entertainment. These include 3ds Max 7 New Features and Production Workflow, Fundamentals and Beyond Courseware, and the 3ds Max Master Class Series Training DVDs. Review

	MAYA Inside Maya 5 Author/animator Michael Hurwicz examines Inside Maya 5 by Mark Adams, Erick Miller and Max Sims from New Riders. Review

	Web Design Reality ColdFusion MX: Flash MX Integration Author/Web developer Michael Hurwicz examines Reality ColdFusion MX: Flash MX Integration by Ben Forta, Randy Drisgill, Dennis Baldwin, Matt Tatam, and Derek Lu. This book is published by Macromedia press. The book discusses goals, logic and development process behind four projects, for which full source code is available on-line. A great way to get a jump start on ColdFusion/Flash integration. Recommended for intermediate Flash and ColdFusion users -- not for beginners. Review

	Autodesk 3ds Max 3ds max 5 Fundamentals Author and Animator Michael Hurwicz examines 3ds max 5 Fundamentals by Ted Boardman. This book is published by New Riders. An update of Boardman's previous book on 3ds max 4, this book is primarily a series of excellent tutorials covering the fundamental elements of 3ds Max 5. It also covers general principles, workflow, tips and traps. Highly recommended. Review