3D World magazine has put together a massive tutorial on the steps needed to build a short film from scratch to final piece (working to create a Tron Light Cycle scene).

Here's the first paragraph of the tutorial that caught my eye:

"How many times have you had a wonderful idea for a short film? But how often do those ideas become reality? Not that often, unfortunately. Work gets in the way and excuses abound - but one of the main reasons is that the journey from idea through concept to completion looks like such a daunting exercise.

In fact, it is not; it's actually a series of smaller steps. Think of it as a ladder, each rung leading you closer to your goal."

It then goes on to explain the following steps with additional video tutorials and scene files on the CD.

Modelling

Storyboards and Animatics

Animation

Rendering

Matte Painting

Compositing

There's lots of info. for those interested.

It's definitely got my wheels turning about creating a Tron Light Jet short.