more z-stuff
 

Think I agree; the z-channel checkbox was probably put in to fill an otherwise empty space. When I render as softimage (pic) I get the separate z-depth files (though in a different folder) but even when I move them to the same folder as the image files Adobe after-effects doesn't display a z-channel (it's supposed to automatically import the depth files with the images as long as they are in the same folder)
I think my lack of knowledge of After-effects is to blame here.

Spamming my thread? I have no idea what that means, but it doesn't sound very hygienic. LOL

Any help here will be appreciated.

I personally use shake but use the default .iff Maya render type which has z depth embedded, if you don't have a file type with z depth imported into after effects, AE will not presume that there are associated z depth files. Import them separately or use .iff.

Cheers. Will try it. Strange that both Maya and After effects have so little on the subject in their help-files.

Anyway, thanks. Have an animated smilie beer on me.