For novice compositors and veterans moving over from Shake or After Effects, this book is the essential guide for learning Nuke, the powerful, node-based compositing software and standard choice for the VFX industry. This book provides a complete overview of the Nuke software,, from an introduction to the user interface to more complex compositing tasks such as keyframe animation, rotoscoping, matte pulling, motion tracking, and filter application. Far beyond a button-pushing manual, critical lessons in compositing theory are also offered, allowing the reader to use the software more intuitively. The tutorial-based approach, augmented by video footage and project files, will have the reader up and running in Nuke in a matter of hours. * The only compositing book solely dedicated to teaching you Nuke, the heir to the throne in compositing software * Covers not only how to use the software, but also teaches essential compositing theory * Over 300 4c images, case studies, and a robust DVD with video tutorials, and exercise files