I've always been interested about creating my own 3D cinematic video, and its always been something Ive wanted to do. However, I've just never knew what the process is for doing so. You know for instance you see a cinematic trailer for a game, although you can obviously tell its not actual gameplay as the scene is a prerenderd video? That's what im looking to create. Although I just don't know how to go through with it.

I do have some 3D modelling experience, although the only prgram I'm totally familiar with is Maya and just basic modelling. Does anyone have any knowledge as to how these computer generated videos are created? I would greatly appreciate it seeing as Im looking to start up a project on this.

First you need a good script for your movie.
Then a story board then an animatic (very simple animation with lighting and primitive models) to get a basic feeling for the movie. When you are happy with this you can start adding details.
Modeling and texturing and rigging high detailed characters.
Adding detail to your animation. Adding nice backgrounds and environment.
It is a good idea to render everything in layers then composite it in Adobe After Effects or other compositing program. This way you have much more control other your final result.

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Andyba, 3d artist
skills: 3d modeling, texturing, rendering, 3d character animation, compositing
3d software experience: 3ds max, Maya, Softimage XSI, Deep Paint 3d, Body Paint 3D, Wings 3D, Z Brush
2d software experience: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After effects, Macromedia Flash, Freehand

But what kind of programs would I need to use? For instance to create a detailed background environments? Like I siad I know how to use Maya, and create 3D objects, but how about camera transitions and integrating characters within an environment. I'm just totally lost on where and how to start. I mean, I already do have a script planned out for my scene, its just that I don't know where to start from.

perfect.