too many polygon shapes....and they all need to cast shadows...

currently i'm aware that rendering in layers is the best thing you could do as it helps a lot in post....

but from what i understand you should have a layer for each mesh (or some meshes that should get the same lighting treatment and dont interfere with each other)

and then for each layer you need to render out everything like occlusion, diffuse, specular etc

then some objects recieve shadows, have reflections, and refractions...

now a while ago i asked how to keep the shadows on a rendered layer and the answer was to put the object into the layer and turn its renderStats->PrimaryVisible to off

worked great... but only when i had a few objects that needed to cast a shadow onto the main subject of the layer...

if i have 60 objects all independant of each other all casting a shadow or in a reflection then that would mean i would have to click each individual object and scroll down to renderStats->PrimaryVisible and click it... now that's gonna be one heck of a task...esp since you cant mass click render stats for all of them at once or do it for a group object

is there a fast way to set up the render layers so you get all the occlusion, diffuse, specular, shadows, etc for each object?

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that's a "Ch" pronounced as a "K"

Computer skills I should have:
Objective C, C#, Java, MEL. Python, C++, XML, JavaScript, XSLT, HTML, SQL, CSS, FXScript, Clips, SOAR, ActionScript, OpenGL, DirectX
Maya, XSI, Photoshop, AfterEffects, Motion, Illustrator, Flash, Swift3D

attribute editor.., look in help files its easy.., dont have maya open so i cant be sure but i think

window/general editors/ attribute editor

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take it easy and life will be easy

Attribute Spread Sheet...

forgot that handy thing existed!

thanks merik

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that's a "Ch" pronounced as a "K"

Computer skills I should have:
Objective C, C#, Java, MEL. Python, C++, XML, JavaScript, XSLT, HTML, SQL, CSS, FXScript, Clips, SOAR, ActionScript, OpenGL, DirectX
Maya, XSI, Photoshop, AfterEffects, Motion, Illustrator, Flash, Swift3D

The best way in the Render Layer Menu would be to add your objects AND the lights to a render later, then right-click on the render layer and add the SHADOW pass preset.

There ya go

PS: I explain the whole process and more in this new updated video tutorial for everyone
RENDER LAYERS VIDEO TUTORIAL

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Israel "Izzy" Long
Motion and Title Design for Broadcast-Film-DS
izzylong.com

i hope so.., i just brought it.., LOL.., im sure its great or i wouldnt have dished out the $$$

theres a few things about it that im a little in the dark about so im sure you will shine some light on that

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take it easy and life will be easy

If you still have any questions, feel free to ask

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Israel "Izzy" Long
Motion and Title Design for Broadcast-Film-DS
izzylong.com

thanks.., i meant about render layers not the tuts they are great.., ill mail you if i get lost but so far very good

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take it easy and life will be easy