mathman,

http://www.newtek.com/products/lightwave/tutorials/animation/3point-light/index.html

that's literally from typing 3lightsetup in google...hence my reference from my original post (google+3lightsetup=info!), my humor is very dry and hard to catch.

in my opinion nothing really is more important than your lights. even if you have a great scene, if the lighting is bad...it's a goner. and likewise i've seen some "iffy" scenes that were literally saved by good lighting. you might consider renting some old alfred hitchcock films, especially the black and whites. excellant 3 hour tutorial(s) on lighting and shadows and the drama they induce. also great use of camera angles and positions.

just keep plugging away boss, it'll come.

Comitted to excellence through art.