I am very, very new to the 3D animation environment. I am using Poser primarily to create background extras for use in movies (i.e., Michael/Vicki types for more visible people, general P4 for the less visible) as well as inhuman extras, generally for background work as well. Actually, let me clarify, I JUST got Poser 4.0 and Pro Pack, so I am still in the experimental stage. I have seen several good suggestions for additional software for backdrop scenes, such as Lightwave 3D [7] and Bryce 5.0, although Lightwave seems to have more plug-in support. Another alternative I explored was AnimaTek's World Builder 3.0, but again it does little more than create a background scene and seems to lack additional plug-ins. I also had been pointed to 3DS StudioMax, among other things, and was considering Adobe Digital Video Production Bundle for my general needs (using After Effects and Premiere for post-production). Basically, here's what I need, maybe some of you can make suggestions. I already have the "people maker" (Poser), but I need something that makes very believable background scenes that will be matted in, and a very good editing/animating tool (since my "extras" obviously can't just stand there frozen in time). Also, I will need to incorporate certain props which I couldn't afford or were unavailable for the backgrounds and sometimes foreground, and .3ds seems to be the most realistic 3D modelling, with most of the high-end models only being sold in that format (unless there is a way to get a .3ds model and incorporate it into one of the other programs). I am uncertain of which of Lightwave, World Builder, or 3D Studio Max is better, or even if they have different uses altogether. So, I welcome and greatly appreciate any feedback or assistance any of you are able to provide me. Thanks in advance.

Most programs can import .3ds format. Max is expensive, however. If you are just starting out, you might want to think on getting something a little less costly. Gosh, even the free modellers will export in .3ds format, as it is sort of the "standard" one.

Let's just say after having reviewed the above options, money isn't the issue, I just want to make sure I am getting the best value for the dollar. I have heard good things about Max, but more I have heard it is very difficult to learn, whereas Lightwave and Bryce are considered much easier. The thing I don't understand is most people seem to favor Bryce (retails at USD$299) over both Lightwave (retail USD$2500) or 3D StudioMax (unsure of cost). Either Bryce is that much better, or it's just cheaper.

Wait and see how the poser plugin for cinema works before you decide!!........Steve

I like Bryce, myself. However, I am getting Max in the very near future.

Nerd's backdrop tool might work for you. I've also got pre-made background images in the store if it's SciFi you're after. As soon as I get a paid site there will be freebies up all over the place. (I hate the "free" sites - no file uploads over 512k) What type of environments are you looking for?

Quite varied actually. I have done outerspace, alien environments, or just futuristic earth environments, such as those found in RIFTS (a RPG that I run in RL if you don't know what it is). Also, I would like to create something realistic and/or believable for backdrops in DV films I am working on, multiple genres, but it's not always feasible to film on location, so I am hoping to find something that will make "photorealistic" backgrounds when I can't.

I use Lightwave. If you are talking movies then how does Titanic sound? Lightwave. Like SciFi. Startrek III (gobs of CG)...Lightwave again. It's the render engine. Maya uses either renderman or yup... Lightwave. The Maya render engine sucks. 3D Max uses their own terrible renderer or MetalRay a 3rd party render engine. And guess what you get ONE license to render. Say you find you have a small network in your home Lightwave allows you to network render. Unlimited Nodes. If you want to design for Games go with Max by all means but if you want to do serious work for the big screen look to Lightwave.

All my above comments are for animation. For backgrounds I use many different things. Then I use Commotion and AfterEffects to composite them together. Bryce for skies and now trees and shrubs. I use a lot of 2D elements at a distance with photoshop. Commotion allows you to make easy 3D shadows from your 2D object. Nerd has a cool little trick for taking 2D into the 3D world. I use it for short scenes.