Tell us a bit about yourself.

I studied Industrial Design at college, mostly the traditional skills of artwork and physical model making. At that time computers were starting to be used for CAD and 3D, which caught my interest. I didn't start looking at 3D seriously until a few years later after doing some other things such as skiing. I went back to University with the goal of learning enough about 3D and animation to get my first job. Fortunately I got some good advice from friends - the importance of a half-decent showreel.

Since then I have worked in games development, TV series and on feature films creating 3D models and animation. That is what I really like about 3D CG, that you have freedom to create, whether it is realistic or imaginary.

When did you see LightWave for the first time?

I think I saw it first around 1995. I was shown it by a fellow student who was producing impressive images on a PC before they became widely used for 3D. I first started using it in 1997.

What do you like about the package?

I like the modelling - you don't need to think about the tools, you just build what you want. You can create detailed models with simple tools that work very well. Modeler also makes it easy to update, combine or alter existing models. It can also cope very well with detailed high-polygon models.

The rendering in LightWave is very strong, great quality and reliable. It allows you to concentrate on the imagery you are trying to create. And to do this quickly without getting too bogged down with lengthy setups and lots of problems to overcome. Radiosity also gives a good look to images and is easy to use. Baking it in can give good and speedy results.

What could be improved for you?

The main thing for me would be the bolted-on feel. Possibly due to plug-ins, a lot of functions are hidden away and not easy to find or access.
It would be good if the scripting was a bit more user friendly and open like some of the other 3D packages and more accessible to non-programmers. For single users or small teams it is not such a big deal but for larger pipelines more flexibility and the ability to customise workflow and tools is important.
Lastly, I would rather see the package as one. Not so much in the building of the models but to give more flexibility with what you can do with them afterwards.

Do you mean an integrated LightWave? Why?

It would give more freedom in what you can do when your main models have been created particularly for animation and effects.
For example, affecting models or parts of models with manipulator functions, like a bend which can be easily animated or animating the model at a vertex level.

What spec machine(s) are you using it on at the moment?

At home I am still using my trusty dual 1GHz Pentium which works great, but I could do with some more render power. In the last year at work I have been using dual and single Athlons.

Are there any plug-ins you wouldn't be without?

The Worley Labs plug-ins are very useful. I like Gaffer, Taft and Polk.