Are you using a real time shader for Max? here are 2 pretty popular ones: http://www.laurenscorijn.com/viewportshader http://www.3pointstudios.com/3pointshader_about.shtml
just saw this. not entirely, but somewhat related and sathe is really badass. i always love watching people create. http://www.3dtotal.com/domwar04_timelapse/