Does anyone know how or which software is used for making 3d sets ? I'm think its a CAD program. If you don't know what i'm talking about you should watch a short film that's shot entirely on green screen with $106,000 budget. It's about 14min. It's not the best storytelling ability but the graphics, background and lighting are amazing. It's called Prey Alone just google it or go to Click Here-Prey Alone-Atom Films Don't forget to answer my question. I really really need to know how to design a 3d set instead of buying. Buying is not cool.

Maya is the industry standard (LOTR, Pixar, basically everything) and 3DStudio Max is a good second choice. Lightwave (Twister, a few other things) comes close. I use Carrara Studio, but it's not quite on their level.

The learning curve for 3d is steep though. Very steep. Count on several years before you can do stuff that looks as good as the movies, even if you're a really fast learner. It takes practice too. I've been doing 3d for ages, and I don't think I could do anything close to LOTR yet :P

As TD said, the main program used in the industry is Maya. Maya is super difficult to learn, so I suggest playing around with the free-ware 3D animation program Blender. Its easier to learn, but its potential is endless. In fact, this short film was used exclusively using Blender and other freeware programs (if any one else on the forum has not seen this, I suggest viewing it. Its insanely good for using only freeware):

Elephant's Dream

Blender will teach you all of the concepts and methods of 3D animation and will lessen the slope of the learning curve for other programs.

One of the big issues you need to consider is after you master Maya or 3DStudio Max, you also have to learn other huge complex programs. (such as a compositing programs so you can mix your 3D sets with your live-action footage. and camera-matching software so you can match your 3D footage movement with your live-action footage. and color correction software, and the list goes on and on.)