Some of the more useful utilities can be downloaded right here from the free stuff page (UV Mapper, OBJ Scaler, OBJ Mover). If you're going to create your own texture maps, you're going to need an art package. Something that works with layers is best - the new version of PSP (V6 I think), or Photoshop (expensive) or Painter 6. If you plan to make your own props or figures, you'll need a 3D modelling programme. Nendo and Amorphium are nice "organic" modelling programmes. Rhino is superb with a fairly flat learning curve. The there's the Mayas and 3D Studios (very very very expensive). For backgrounds you can't do much better than Bryce 4. For animation, both Poser and Bryce can create animated output (check in the 3D animation forum for other choices) Hope this has been useful - but these are just pointers and you'll find many other options put forward. Paul