VRay zDepth + After Effects Problem

[richard_rosenman]

Hi gang;

I must be doing something wrong here. In the past, I have always rendered the zDepth as separate sequence but I understand that is not necessary when using a format like EXR as it can be embedded in it.

So I switch to VRay RT
I add the VRay zDepth render element and set up the settings
I render the image in the VRay frame buffer and if I switch to the zDepth channel in the top-left dropdown menu I can see it there
I save the image as an EXR and make sure to add the VRay zDepth in the OpenEXR save settings under the Render Elements section. I also click on enable for the VRay zDepth layer underneath that
I save the EXR and I bring it into After Effects, make a comp and add the EXtractoR plugin
In the R,G,B where I'm supposed to be able to select the Z channel, it does not exist

What am I missing here? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
-Rich

[richard_rosenman]

I believe I solved this.

It seems to save an EXR with render elements from the VRay Frame Buffer, I need to enable the "V-Ray raw file" option and specify my save filename there. I brought that file in and was able to successfully pull the zDepth.

So understanding this, when rendering an animation sequence, I no longer specify a save filename from the 3ds Max Common render dialog? It is all done now through the VRay frame buffer using the "V-Ray raw file"?

Can anyone confirm this is the correct workflow?

Thanks,
-Rich

[PIXELBOX_SRO]

Hey, ive been using vray raw file to save animationfiles with layers fo ages works great