@T-U and freelanch and other who may be interested.
I have houdini, and because at least one other person has it, and because it has the most generous free and Non-commercial versions ($99 for HD) I suggest that we all use that (Real Flow requires a 3rd party package). If we all use the same software (as much as possible) then it will be easier for everyone to communicate and work through problems together. On the other hand, if some have any of the other programs, and are really good with them they could probably translate the techniques rather easily.
At any rate, I admit I am a noob to 3D, and these are just ideas. I look forward to hearing more from you guys.
Also, I have After Effects, its not nuke, but if the cameras line up right native to the files, I can definitely composite them! I'm no master compositor, but I can make things work in AE.
@freelanch
I think we should all start with the same terrain builds and concept, at least for the early stages. Then yes, I imagine everyone would end up with very different looking art. My only concern it that if ideas are to far apart, will be hard to make the falls work with the different terrains. That is, different terrains will have different looking falls. So the question then is, how hard will it be to "fit" one water animation to another terrain. If we all use the same software we can show how to make changes. Alter clip files and what not.
I have more of a fantasy theme in mind for my self, but other may want total photo realism. Its such a different way of looking at it that its a guarantee everyones work will look different.
I think step one is to figure out a work flow, and get it working/understandable.