using after effects and nuke, neither of which Ive used before, not to mention I dont really know how to project textures in Maya or create, render and animate snow dont worry about all that can be done in after effects (cc particle world will become your best friend) i really use to struggle to create effects in maya and it used to take alot of time creating and rendering effects. but ever since i got into after effects i have become much more efficient this site will pretty much teach all the basics u need from there only your mind will be the limit of your creativity videocopilot.net