CompuServe Messages

3D Studio would be capable of such a task, but there is no way I know of that wouldn't be at least a little tedious. In the film world this stuff is done using "plate shots" (forgive me if you know this already), and they don't usually involve moving cameras. If you do use a moving camera, it is critical to keep the unpredictability of camera movements to a minimum. If you are in control of shooting the live footage, Noah Kennedy's suggestion is a point in the right direction, however, the size and setup of Steadicam Sr. <g> (Jr. is a waste of time) will not allow it to function properly in many cars. Although it is a more expensive proposition, you may want to rent a camera car. This is a towed trailer with special suspension, special camera bays, and you just drive your vehicle you want to shoot right up on it. Whenever a real smooth ride is required in film, this is what is used. You will have rock solid car and background, and thereby will minimize your 3D camera fiddling by a considerable amount. Another interesting idea is to use a global positioning device attatched to the camera. You could download (there are some available that can interface with PC's) the info and create a 3D polyline in AutoCad or 3D Studio to use as a camera path. I'm not sure how accurate, or at what interval the positions are recorded, but it's an idea. Hope this helps, John Tissavary (La Luna cie)