... but is there any way of creating an object shadow when you render against an imported PICT background? Maybe making the ground invisible but still capable of rendering shadows? Anything? This is really frustrating sometimes.....

Try applying the background as a texture to an appropriately sized square/cube prop. That may work.

None that I know of. Instead of importing it as a background, try using it as a texture for the square prop and scale it to fit the background. This will only give you flat shadows however. There is a prop for sale in the marketplace here that is curved so your background wraps under for the ground so shadows are more real. Right now I don't remember who made it. btw..the only silly question is one that is unasked.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/softgood.ez?ViewSoftgood=2480

If I may, allow me to HIGHLY recommend Nerd's Background Prop, available in the Marketplace. I have found it invaluable for using photos or screenshots as backgrounds, and getting realistic shadows in the scene...no muss, no fuss. If you'd like to see some examples, visit my gallery here on Renderosity...my Lace, Blood, and Leather series all use the Backdrop tool, and you can see how well the shadows come out. I rarely toot my own horn, but I'll certainly sound a fanfare for a well thought-out product...and Nerd's Backdrop Tool is definately worth the ten dollars.

many thanks, folks. i'll follow through on all of these