For the opening sequence, the script calls for an over-the-shoulder tracking shot from a bird in the sky, then a fast dive into the town centre where the main story takes place.

After experimenting for a good while, finally decided on a hybrid of fractal (displacement) mapping, photo satellite images, and mesh distortions. Since I based the story on a place in Wheaton, I've used satellite images based on Wheaton, IL, as well. The colours will be changed to match the final modeled town area, etc.

This is a test of that opening shot.
(Shaded render only)

I just pulled the eagle model off the v14 CDrom for testing purposes.

You did that in A:M?
wow

Yes of course. Just everyday trickery

I built the displacement map in photoshop from the satellite photos...

A:M is (literally) limited only by your imagination. (And time on your hands.)

Glad you thought the effect so effective

Dito ,very nice fx

Good test!

Thanks, next I'm working out how to build effective modeled town/streets. I've never been good with downtown street type stuff (boring) but I am going to give it a good shot. I need about 4 blocks, one street detailed.

(I'm trying to get what I can done today/tonight because I'll be in Iowa visiting my grandfather from Friday-Sunday. )