Thanks again everyone, some really good feedback there. The AO was never black, it was set as a mask on the indirect pass and multiplied on top of the diffuse. Maybe it darkened it too mach. @chrisradsby: Thanks for your effort, but I can't do such a dramatic change in the background because it will be inaccurate for the…
Well,I have no idea about environments.. As for characters, I guess the workflow of modelling and texturing is very similar to that you described. When it comes to a pre-rendered cinematic the major difference is that you can have Dynamic hair system Cloth simulation Subsurface scattering shader for skin, teeth and…