Mark Wolf can position those objects where he will and he can illuminate or shadow them as he wishes--with Bryce adding appropriate reflections. The first step in this process is to create a wireframe version of the objects--a representation of their exteriors, which looks quite like a diagram of a Renaissance painting (Fig. 11.24). Later, in a process called rendering, different textures (water, rock, smooth surfaces, skin) are added to the wireframes, which results in the final image.

This process is used in all 3D computer-generated animation, including the photo-realistic feature film, Final Fantasy.

This figure, from a review of Final Fantasy, illustrates the rendering process.

For more details, see Jon "Hannibal" Stokes and Jonathan Ragan-Kelley, "Final Fantasy: The Technology Within," arstechnica, arstechnica.com/wankerdesk/01q3/ff-interview/ff-interview-1.html.