After Effects region of interest

Lutz Albrecht has written a pair of articles about integrating 3D applications with After Effects. These articles cover the creation of UV maps, mattes, and channels from various 3D applications, including Maxon Cinema 4D, NewTek Lightwave, and Luxology modo. The articles then show you how to use RE:Vision Effects RE:Map and fnord ProEXR plug-ins to use that data in After Effects.

These articles are very detailed and are illustrated with many screenshots and conceptual diagrams. Great work, Lutz!

"Integrating 3D applications with After Effects – Part 1: Working with UV data"

"Integrating 3D applications with After Effects – Part 2: Working with mattes and channels"

[edited 19September2008]
In one of the comments below, the question arises "What about 3ds Max and Maya?"

Trish and Chris Meyer explain how to use data from 3D applications (including Maya and 3ds Max) with After Effects in their book Creating Motion Graphics, an excerpt of which can be downloaded from their CyberMotion website.

Tyson Ibele provides tutorials on his website that show how to use output from 3ds Max (3D Studio MAX) in After Effects.