diff --git a/interface/src/Application.cpp b/interface/src/Application.cpp
index 0d3d8ece8d..7763c3fb0b 100644
--- a/interface/src/Application.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/Application.cpp
@@ -1124,19 +1124,19 @@ Application::Application(int& argc, char** argv, QElapsedTimer& startupTimer, bo
         return qApp->isHMDMode() ? 1 : 0;
     });
     _applicationStateDevice->setInputVariant(STATE_CAMERA_FULL_SCREEN_MIRROR, []() -> float {
-        return qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_MIRROR ? 1 : 0;
+        return qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_MIRROR ? 1 : 0;
     });
     _applicationStateDevice->setInputVariant(STATE_CAMERA_FIRST_PERSON, []() -> float {
-        return qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON ? 1 : 0;
+        return qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON ? 1 : 0;
     });
     _applicationStateDevice->setInputVariant(STATE_CAMERA_THIRD_PERSON, []() -> float {
-        return qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_THIRD_PERSON ? 1 : 0;
+        return qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_THIRD_PERSON ? 1 : 0;
     });
     _applicationStateDevice->setInputVariant(STATE_CAMERA_ENTITY, []() -> float {
-        return qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_ENTITY ? 1 : 0;
+        return qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_ENTITY ? 1 : 0;
     });
     _applicationStateDevice->setInputVariant(STATE_CAMERA_INDEPENDENT, []() -> float {
-        return qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_INDEPENDENT ? 1 : 0;
+        return qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_INDEPENDENT ? 1 : 0;
     });
     _applicationStateDevice->setInputVariant(STATE_SNAP_TURN, []() -> float {
         return qApp->getMyAvatar()->getSnapTurn() ? 1 : 0;
@@ -1785,14 +1785,23 @@ void Application::cleanupBeforeQuit() {
     DependencyManager::destroy<AudioClient>();
     DependencyManager::destroy<AudioInjectorManager>();
 
-    // shutdown render engine
-    _main3DScene = nullptr;
-    _renderEngine = nullptr;
-
     qCDebug(interfaceapp) << "Application::cleanupBeforeQuit() complete";
 }
 
 Application::~Application() {
+    // remove avatars from physics engine
+    DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->clearOtherAvatars();
+    VectorOfMotionStates motionStates;
+    DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->getObjectsToRemoveFromPhysics(motionStates);
+    _physicsEngine->removeObjects(motionStates);
+    DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->deleteAllAvatars();
+
+    _physicsEngine->setCharacterController(nullptr);
+
+    // shutdown render engine
+    _main3DScene = nullptr;
+    _renderEngine = nullptr;
+
     DependencyManager::destroy<Preferences>();
 
     _entityClipboard->eraseAllOctreeElements();
@@ -1804,14 +1813,6 @@ Application::~Application() {
     _octreeProcessor.terminate();
     _entityEditSender.terminate();
 
-    _physicsEngine->setCharacterController(nullptr);
-
-    // remove avatars from physics engine
-    DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->clearOtherAvatars();
-    VectorOfMotionStates motionStates;
-    DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->getObjectsToRemoveFromPhysics(motionStates);
-    _physicsEngine->removeObjects(motionStates);
-    DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->deleteAllAvatars();
 
     DependencyManager::destroy<AvatarManager>();
     DependencyManager::destroy<AnimationCache>();
@@ -2440,7 +2441,7 @@ void Application::resizeGL() {
     // Possible change in aspect ratio
     {
         QMutexLocker viewLocker(&_viewMutex);
-        loadViewFrustum(_myCamera, _viewFrustum);
+        _myCamera.loadViewFrustum(_viewFrustum);
     }
 
     auto offscreenUi = DependencyManager::get<OffscreenUi>();
@@ -4525,7 +4526,7 @@ void Application::update(float deltaTime) {
     // to the server.
     {
         QMutexLocker viewLocker(&_viewMutex);
-        loadViewFrustum(_myCamera, _viewFrustum);
+        _myCamera.loadViewFrustum(_viewFrustum);
     }
 
     quint64 now = usecTimestampNow();
@@ -4853,24 +4854,6 @@ QRect Application::getDesirableApplicationGeometry() const {
     return applicationGeometry;
 }
 
-/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-// loadViewFrustum()
-//
-// Description: this will load the view frustum bounds for EITHER the head
-//                 or the "myCamera".
-//
-void Application::loadViewFrustum(Camera& camera, ViewFrustum& viewFrustum) {
-    // We will use these below, from either the camera or head vectors calculated above
-    viewFrustum.setProjection(camera.getProjection());
-
-    // Set the viewFrustum up with the correct position and orientation of the camera
-    viewFrustum.setPosition(camera.getPosition());
-    viewFrustum.setOrientation(camera.getOrientation());
-
-    // Ask the ViewFrustum class to calculate our corners
-    viewFrustum.calculate();
-}
-
 glm::vec3 Application::getSunDirection() const {
     // Sun direction is in fact just the location of the sun relative to the origin
     auto skyStage = DependencyManager::get<SceneScriptingInterface>()->getSkyStage();
@@ -5042,7 +5025,7 @@ void Application::displaySide(RenderArgs* renderArgs, Camera& theCamera, bool se
     // load the view frustum
     {
         QMutexLocker viewLocker(&_viewMutex);
-        loadViewFrustum(theCamera, _displayViewFrustum);
+        theCamera.loadViewFrustum(_displayViewFrustum);
     }
 
     // TODO fix shadows and make them use the GPU library
@@ -5059,7 +5042,7 @@ void Application::displaySide(RenderArgs* renderArgs, Camera& theCamera, bool se
         transaction.resetItem(BackgroundRenderData::_item, backgroundRenderPayload);
     }
 
-    // Assuming nothing get's rendered through that
+    // Assuming nothing gets rendered through that
     if (!selfAvatarOnly) {
         if (DependencyManager::get<SceneScriptingInterface>()->shouldRenderEntities()) {
             // render models...
@@ -5115,6 +5098,8 @@ void Application::displaySide(RenderArgs* renderArgs, Camera& theCamera, bool se
             QMutexLocker viewLocker(&_viewMutex);
             renderArgs->setViewFrustum(_displayViewFrustum);
         }
+        renderArgs->_cameraMode = (int8_t)theCamera.getMode(); // HACK
+        renderArgs->_scene = getMain3DScene();
         _renderEngine->getRenderContext()->args = renderArgs;
 
         // Before the deferred pass, let's try to use the render engine
diff --git a/interface/src/Application.h b/interface/src/Application.h
index cf79a2dfd8..9f429b0433 100644
--- a/interface/src/Application.h
+++ b/interface/src/Application.h
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 
 #include "avatar/MyAvatar.h"
 #include "BandwidthRecorder.h"
-#include "Camera.h"
+#include "FancyCamera.h"
 #include "ConnectionMonitor.h"
 #include "gpu/Context.h"
 #include "Menu.h"
@@ -174,8 +174,8 @@ public:
 
     bool isThrottleRendering() const;
 
-    Camera* getCamera() { return &_myCamera; }
-    const Camera* getCamera() const { return &_myCamera; }
+    Camera& getCamera() { return _myCamera; }
+    const Camera& getCamera() const { return _myCamera; }
     // Represents the current view frustum of the avatar.
     void copyViewFrustum(ViewFrustum& viewOut) const;
     // Represents the view frustum of the current rendering pass,
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ public:
     int getMaxOctreePacketsPerSecond() const;
 
     render::ScenePointer getMain3DScene() override { return _main3DScene; }
-    render::ScenePointer getMain3DScene() const { return _main3DScene; }
+    const render::ScenePointer& getMain3DScene() const { return _main3DScene; }
     render::EnginePointer getRenderEngine() override { return _renderEngine; }
     gpu::ContextPointer getGPUContext() const { return _gpuContext; }
 
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ public:
 
     float getAvatarSimrate() const { return _avatarSimCounter.rate(); }
     float getAverageSimsPerSecond() const { return _simCounter.rate(); }
-    
+
     void takeSnapshot(bool notify, bool includeAnimated = false, float aspectRatio = 0.0f);
     void shareSnapshot(const QString& filename, const QUrl& href = QUrl(""));
 
@@ -462,7 +462,6 @@ private:
     void updateDialogs(float deltaTime) const;
 
     void queryOctree(NodeType_t serverType, PacketType packetType, NodeToJurisdictionMap& jurisdictions, bool forceResend = false);
-    static void loadViewFrustum(Camera& camera, ViewFrustum& viewFrustum);
 
     glm::vec3 getSunDirection() const;
 
@@ -558,7 +557,7 @@ private:
     SimpleMovingAverage _avatarSimsPerSecond {10};
     int _avatarSimsPerSecondReport {0};
     quint64 _lastAvatarSimsPerSecondUpdate {0};
-    Camera _myCamera;                            // My view onto the world
+    FancyCamera _myCamera;                            // My view onto the world
 
     Setting::Handle<QString> _previousScriptLocation;
     Setting::Handle<float> _fieldOfView;
diff --git a/interface/src/Camera.cpp b/interface/src/Camera.cpp
index cf3261ee88..37f53e3cc2 100644
--- a/interface/src/Camera.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/Camera.cpp
@@ -98,18 +98,7 @@ void Camera::setMode(CameraMode mode) {
     emit modeUpdated(modeToString(mode));
 }
 
-QUuid Camera::getCameraEntity() const {
-    if (_cameraEntity != nullptr) {
-        return _cameraEntity->getID();
-    }
-    return QUuid();
-};
-
-void Camera::setCameraEntity(QUuid entityID) {
-    _cameraEntity = qApp->getEntities()->getTree()->findEntityByID(entityID);
-}
-
-void Camera::setProjection(const glm::mat4& projection) { 
+void Camera::setProjection(const glm::mat4& projection) {
     _projection = projection;
 }
 
@@ -119,7 +108,7 @@ PickRay Camera::computePickRay(float x, float y) {
 
 void Camera::setModeString(const QString& mode) {
     CameraMode targetMode = stringToMode(mode);
-        
+
     switch (targetMode) {
         case CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON:
             Menu::getInstance()->setIsOptionChecked(MenuOption::FirstPerson, true);
@@ -139,7 +128,7 @@ void Camera::setModeString(const QString& mode) {
         default:
             break;
     }
-    
+
     qApp->cameraMenuChanged();
     
     if (_mode != targetMode) {
@@ -177,12 +166,6 @@ void Camera::loadViewFrustum(ViewFrustum& frustum) const {
     frustum.calculate();
 }
 
-ViewFrustum Camera::toViewFrustum() const {
-    ViewFrustum result;
-    loadViewFrustum(result);
-    return result;
-}
-
 QVariantMap Camera::getViewFrustum() {
     ViewFrustum frustum;
     loadViewFrustum(frustum);
diff --git a/interface/src/Camera.h b/interface/src/Camera.h
index cedfb3f185..c5a3b192ba 100644
--- a/interface/src/Camera.h
+++ b/interface/src/Camera.h
@@ -43,15 +43,11 @@ class Camera : public QObject {
      * @property position {Vec3} The position of the camera.
      * @property orientation {Quat} The orientation of the camera.
      * @property mode {string} The current camera mode.
-     * @property cameraEntity {EntityID} The position and rotation properties of
-     *     the entity specified by this ID are then used as the camera's position and
-     *     orientation. Only works when <code>mode</code> is "entity".
      * @property frustum {Object} The frustum of the camera.
      */
     Q_PROPERTY(glm::vec3 position READ getPosition WRITE setPosition)
     Q_PROPERTY(glm::quat orientation READ getOrientation WRITE setOrientation)
     Q_PROPERTY(QString mode READ getModeString WRITE setModeString)
-    Q_PROPERTY(QUuid cameraEntity READ getCameraEntity WRITE setCameraEntity)
     Q_PROPERTY(QVariantMap frustum READ getViewFrustum CONSTANT)
 
 public:
@@ -65,9 +61,6 @@ public:
     void setMode(CameraMode m);
 
     void loadViewFrustum(ViewFrustum& frustum) const;
-    ViewFrustum toViewFrustum() const;
-
-    EntityItemPointer getCameraEntityPointer() const { return _cameraEntity; }
 
     const glm::mat4& getTransform() const { return _transform; }
     void setTransform(const glm::mat4& transform);
@@ -87,9 +80,6 @@ public slots:
     glm::quat getOrientation() const { return _orientation; }
     void setOrientation(const glm::quat& orientation);
 
-    QUuid getCameraEntity() const;
-    void setCameraEntity(QUuid entityID);
-
     /**jsdoc
      * Compute a {PickRay} based on the current camera configuration and the position x,y on the screen.
      * @function Camera.computePickRay
@@ -143,7 +133,6 @@ private:
     glm::quat _orientation;
     bool _isKeepLookingAt{ false };
     glm::vec3 _lookingAt;
-    EntityItemPointer _cameraEntity;
 };
 
 #endif // hifi_Camera_h
diff --git a/interface/src/FancyCamera.cpp b/interface/src/FancyCamera.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7bb64a4a8e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/interface/src/FancyCamera.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+//
+//  FancyCamera.cpp
+//  interface/src
+//
+//  Copyright 2017 High Fidelity, Inc.
+//
+//  Distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
+//  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
+//
+
+#include "FancyCamera.h"
+
+#include "Application.h"
+
+
+QUuid FancyCamera::getCameraEntity() const {
+    if (_cameraEntity != nullptr) {
+        return _cameraEntity->getID();
+    }
+    return QUuid();
+};
+
+void FancyCamera::setCameraEntity(QUuid entityID) {
+    _cameraEntity = qApp->getEntities()->getTree()->findEntityByID(entityID);
+}
diff --git a/interface/src/FancyCamera.h b/interface/src/FancyCamera.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..cd231cd929
--- /dev/null
+++ b/interface/src/FancyCamera.h
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+//
+//  FancyCamera.h
+//  interface/src
+//
+//  Copyright 2017 High Fidelity, Inc.
+//
+//  Distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
+//  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
+//
+
+#ifndef hifi_FancyCamera_h
+#define hifi_FancyCamera_h
+
+#include "Camera.h"
+
+#include <EntityItem.h>
+
+// TODO: come up with a better name than "FancyCamera"
+class FancyCamera : public Camera {
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+    /**jsdoc
+     * @namespace Camera
+     * @property cameraEntity {EntityID} The position and rotation properties of
+     *     the entity specified by this ID are then used as the camera's position and
+     *     orientation. Only works when <code>mode</code> is "entity".
+     */
+    Q_PROPERTY(QUuid cameraEntity READ getCameraEntity WRITE setCameraEntity)
+
+public:
+    FancyCamera() : Camera() {}
+
+    EntityItemPointer getCameraEntityPointer() const { return _cameraEntity; }
+
+public slots:
+    QUuid getCameraEntity() const;
+    void setCameraEntity(QUuid entityID);
+
+private:
+    EntityItemPointer _cameraEntity;
+};
+
+#endif // hifi_FancyCamera_h
diff --git a/interface/src/Physics.cpp b/interface/src/Physics.cpp
deleted file mode 100644
index 7efa520571..0000000000
--- a/interface/src/Physics.cpp
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,44 +0,0 @@
-//
-//  Physics.cpp
-//  interface/src
-//
-//  Copyright 2013 High Fidelity, Inc.
-//
-//  Distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
-//  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
-//
-
-#include <glm/glm.hpp>
-#include <SharedUtil.h>
-
-#include "Util.h"
-#include "world.h"
-#include "Physics.h"
-
-//
-//  Applies static friction:  maxVelocity is the largest velocity for which there
-//  there is friction, and strength is the amount of friction force applied to reduce
-//  velocity. 
-// 
-void applyStaticFriction(float deltaTime, glm::vec3& velocity, float maxVelocity, float strength) {
-    float v = glm::length(velocity);
-    if (v < maxVelocity) {
-        velocity *= glm::clamp((1.0f - deltaTime * strength * (1.0f - v / maxVelocity)), 0.0f, 1.0f);
-    }
-}
-
-//
-//  Applies velocity damping, with a strength value for linear and squared velocity damping
-//
-
-void applyDamping(float deltaTime, glm::vec3& velocity, float linearStrength, float squaredStrength) {
-    if (squaredStrength == 0.0f) {
-        velocity *= glm::clamp(1.0f - deltaTime * linearStrength, 0.0f, 1.0f);
-    } else {
-        velocity *= glm::clamp(1.0f - deltaTime * (linearStrength + glm::length(velocity) * squaredStrength), 0.0f, 1.0f);
-    }
-}
-
-void applyDampedSpring(float deltaTime, glm::vec3& velocity, glm::vec3& position, glm::vec3& targetPosition, float k, float damping) {
-    
-}
diff --git a/interface/src/Physics.h b/interface/src/Physics.h
deleted file mode 100644
index 97e873d920..0000000000
--- a/interface/src/Physics.h
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,18 +0,0 @@
-//
-//  Physics.h
-//  interface/src
-//
-//  Created by Philip on 4/25/13.
-//  Copyright 2013 High Fidelity, Inc.
-//
-//  Distributed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
-//  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
-//
-
-#ifndef hifi_Physics_h
-#define hifi_Physics_h
-
-void applyStaticFriction(float deltaTime, glm::vec3& velocity, float maxVelocity, float strength);
-void applyDamping(float deltaTime, glm::vec3& velocity, float linearStrength, float squaredStrength);
-
-#endif // hifi_Physics_h
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp
index b4d5fea360..5b996a3cdf 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.cpp
@@ -9,44 +9,32 @@
 //  See the accompanying file LICENSE or http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.html
 //
 
-#include <vector>
+#include "Avatar.h"
 
-#include <QDesktopWidget>
-#include <QWindow>
-
-#include <glm/glm.hpp>
-#include <glm/gtx/quaternion.hpp>
-#include <glm/gtx/vector_angle.hpp>
-#include <glm/gtc/type_ptr.hpp>
+#include <QtCore/QThread>
+#include <glm/gtx/transform.hpp>
 #include <glm/gtx/vector_query.hpp>
 
 #include <DeferredLightingEffect.h>
-#include <GeometryUtil.h>
-#include <LODManager.h>
+#include <EntityTreeRenderer.h>
 #include <NodeList.h>
 #include <NumericalConstants.h>
 #include <OctreeUtils.h>
 #include <udt/PacketHeaders.h>
 #include <PerfStat.h>
+#include <Rig.h>
 #include <SharedUtil.h>
 #include <TextRenderer3D.h>
-#include <TextureCache.h>
 #include <VariantMapToScriptValue.h>
 #include <DebugDraw.h>
 
-#include "Application.h"
-#include "Avatar.h"
 #include "AvatarManager.h"
 #include "AvatarMotionState.h"
-#include "Head.h"
+#include "Camera.h"
 #include "Menu.h"
-#include "Physics.h"
-#include "Util.h"
-#include "world.h"
 #include "InterfaceLogging.h"
 #include "SceneScriptingInterface.h"
 #include "SoftAttachmentModel.h"
-#include <Rig.h>
 
 using namespace std;
 
@@ -71,7 +59,8 @@ namespace render {
         auto avatarPtr = static_pointer_cast<Avatar>(avatar);
         if (avatarPtr->isInitialized() && args) {
             PROFILE_RANGE_BATCH(*args->_batch, "renderAvatarPayload");
-            avatarPtr->render(args, qApp->getCamera()->getPosition());
+            // TODO AVATARS_RENDERER: remove need for qApp
+            avatarPtr->render(args);
         }
     }
     template <> uint32_t metaFetchMetaSubItems(const AvatarSharedPointer& avatar, ItemIDs& subItems) {
@@ -85,7 +74,7 @@ namespace render {
     }
 }
 
-Avatar::Avatar(RigPointer rig) :
+Avatar::Avatar(QThread* thread, RigPointer rig) :
     AvatarData(),
     _skeletonOffset(0.0f),
     _bodyYawDelta(0.0f),
@@ -108,7 +97,7 @@ Avatar::Avatar(RigPointer rig) :
     _voiceSphereID(GeometryCache::UNKNOWN_ID)
 {
     // we may have been created in the network thread, but we live in the main thread
-    moveToThread(qApp->thread());
+    moveToThread(thread);
 
     setScale(glm::vec3(1.0f)); // avatar scale is uniform
 
@@ -128,7 +117,7 @@ Avatar::Avatar(RigPointer rig) :
 Avatar::~Avatar() {
     assert(isDead()); // mark dead before calling the dtor
 
-    auto treeRenderer = qApp->getEntities();
+    auto treeRenderer = DependencyManager::get<EntityTreeRenderer>();
     EntityTreePointer entityTree = treeRenderer ? treeRenderer->getTree() : nullptr;
     if (entityTree) {
         entityTree->withWriteLock([&] {
@@ -237,7 +226,7 @@ void Avatar::updateAvatarEntities() {
         return; // wait until MyAvatar gets an ID before doing this.
     }
 
-    auto treeRenderer = qApp->getEntities();
+    auto treeRenderer = DependencyManager::get<EntityTreeRenderer>();
     EntityTreePointer entityTree = treeRenderer ? treeRenderer->getTree() : nullptr;
     if (!entityTree) {
         return;
@@ -518,7 +507,7 @@ static TextRenderer3D* textRenderer(TextRendererType type) {
     return displayNameRenderer;
 }
 
-void Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+void Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     auto avatarPayload = new render::Payload<AvatarData>(self);
     auto avatarPayloadPointer = Avatar::PayloadPointer(avatarPayload);
     _renderItemID = scene->allocateID();
@@ -530,7 +519,7 @@ void Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene>
     }
 }
 
-void Avatar::removeFromScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+void Avatar::removeFromScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_renderItemID);
     render::Item::clearID(_renderItemID);
     _skeletonModel->removeFromScene(scene, transaction);
@@ -578,11 +567,13 @@ void Avatar::postUpdate(float deltaTime) {
     }
 }
 
-void Avatar::render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPosition) {
-    auto& batch = *renderArgs->_batch;
+void Avatar::render(RenderArgs* renderArgs) {
+    auto& batch = *(renderArgs->_batch);
     PROFILE_RANGE_BATCH(batch, __FUNCTION__);
 
-    if (glm::distance(DependencyManager::get<AvatarManager>()->getMyAvatar()->getPosition(), getPosition()) < 10.0f) {
+    glm::vec3 viewPos = renderArgs->getViewFrustum().getPosition();
+    const float MAX_DISTANCE_SQUARED_FOR_SHOWING_POINTING_LASERS = 100.0f; // 10^2
+    if (glm::distance2(viewPos, getPosition()) < MAX_DISTANCE_SQUARED_FOR_SHOWING_POINTING_LASERS) {
         auto geometryCache = DependencyManager::get<GeometryCache>();
 
         // render pointing lasers
@@ -641,23 +632,16 @@ void Avatar::render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPosition) {
         }
     }
 
-    { // simple frustum check
-        ViewFrustum frustum;
-        if (renderArgs->_renderMode == RenderArgs::SHADOW_RENDER_MODE) {
-            qApp->copyShadowViewFrustum(frustum);
-        } else {
-            qApp->copyDisplayViewFrustum(frustum);
-        }
-        if (!frustum.sphereIntersectsFrustum(getPosition(), getBoundingRadius())) {
-            return;
-        }
+    ViewFrustum frustum = renderArgs->getViewFrustum();
+    if (!frustum.sphereIntersectsFrustum(getPosition(), getBoundingRadius())) {
+        return;
     }
 
-    glm::vec3 toTarget = cameraPosition - getPosition();
+    glm::vec3 toTarget = frustum.getPosition() - getPosition();
     float distanceToTarget = glm::length(toTarget);
 
     {
-        fixupModelsInScene();
+        fixupModelsInScene(renderArgs->_scene);
 
         if (renderArgs->_renderMode != RenderArgs::SHADOW_RENDER_MODE) {
             // add local lights
@@ -686,8 +670,7 @@ void Avatar::render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPosition) {
     const float DISPLAYNAME_DISTANCE = 20.0f;
     setShowDisplayName(distanceToTarget < DISPLAYNAME_DISTANCE);
 
-    auto cameraMode = qApp->getCamera()->getMode();
-    if (!isMyAvatar() || cameraMode != CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON) {
+    if (!isMyAvatar() || renderArgs->_cameraMode != (int8_t)CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON) {
         auto& frustum = renderArgs->getViewFrustum();
         auto textPosition = getDisplayNamePosition();
         if (frustum.pointIntersectsFrustum(textPosition)) {
@@ -712,12 +695,11 @@ glm::quat Avatar::computeRotationFromBodyToWorldUp(float proportion) const {
     return glm::angleAxis(angle * proportion, axis);
 }
 
-void Avatar::fixupModelsInScene() {
+void Avatar::fixupModelsInScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene) {
     _attachmentsToDelete.clear();
 
     // check to see if when we added our models to the scene they were ready, if they were not ready, then
     // fix them up in the scene
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
     render::Transaction transaction;
     if (_skeletonModel->isRenderable() && _skeletonModel->needsFixupInScene()) {
         _skeletonModel->removeFromScene(scene, transaction);
@@ -1490,8 +1472,7 @@ QList<QVariant> Avatar::getSkeleton() {
     return QList<QVariant>();
 }
 
-void Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer myHandle) {
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+void Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer myHandle, const render::ScenePointer& scene) {
     if (scene) {
         render::Transaction transaction;
         auto nodelist = DependencyManager::get<NodeList>();
@@ -1505,8 +1486,9 @@ void Avatar::addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer myHandle) {
         qCWarning(interfaceapp) << "AvatarManager::addAvatar() : Unexpected null scene, possibly during application shutdown";
     }
 }
-void Avatar::ensureInScene(AvatarSharedPointer self) {
+
+void Avatar::ensureInScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene) {
     if (!render::Item::isValidID(_renderItemID)) {
-        addToScene(self);
+        addToScene(self, scene);
     }
 }
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h
index 7b9d331048..8c055885fd 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/Avatar.h
@@ -14,17 +14,15 @@
 #include <glm/glm.hpp>
 #include <glm/gtc/quaternion.hpp>
 
-#include <QtCore/QScopedPointer>
 #include <QtCore/QUuid>
 
 #include <AvatarData.h>
 #include <ShapeInfo.h>
-
 #include <render/Scene.h>
 
+
 #include "Head.h"
 #include "SkeletonModel.h"
-#include "world.h"
 #include "Rig.h"
 #include <ThreadSafeValueCache.h>
 
@@ -68,7 +66,7 @@ class Avatar : public AvatarData {
     Q_PROPERTY(glm::vec3 skeletonOffset READ getSkeletonOffset WRITE setSkeletonOffset)
 
 public:
-    explicit Avatar(RigPointer rig = nullptr);
+    explicit Avatar(QThread* thread, RigPointer rig = nullptr);
     ~Avatar();
 
     typedef render::Payload<AvatarData> Payload;
@@ -79,12 +77,12 @@ public:
     void simulate(float deltaTime, bool inView);
     virtual void simulateAttachments(float deltaTime);
 
-    virtual void render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPosition);
+    virtual void render(RenderArgs* renderArgs);
 
-    void addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+    void addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                             render::Transaction& transaction);
 
-    void removeFromScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+    void removeFromScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                 render::Transaction& transaction);
 
     void updateRenderItem(render::Transaction& transaction);
@@ -305,7 +303,7 @@ protected:
     Transform calculateDisplayNameTransform(const ViewFrustum& view, const glm::vec3& textPosition) const;
     void renderDisplayName(gpu::Batch& batch, const ViewFrustum& view, const glm::vec3& textPosition) const;
     virtual bool shouldRenderHead(const RenderArgs* renderArgs) const;
-    virtual void fixupModelsInScene();
+    virtual void fixupModelsInScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene);
 
     virtual void updatePalms();
 
@@ -316,8 +314,8 @@ protected:
     ThreadSafeValueCache<glm::vec3> _rightPalmPositionCache { glm::vec3() };
     ThreadSafeValueCache<glm::quat> _rightPalmRotationCache { glm::quat() };
 
-    void addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self);
-    void ensureInScene(AvatarSharedPointer self);
+    void addToScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene);
+    void ensureInScene(AvatarSharedPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene);
     bool isInScene() const { return render::Item::isValidID(_renderItemID); }
 
     // Some rate tracking support
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.cpp
index f1170a7085..585776b395 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.cpp
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ void AvatarManager::registerMetaTypes(QScriptEngine* engine) {
 
 AvatarManager::AvatarManager(QObject* parent) :
     _avatarsToFade(),
-    _myAvatar(std::make_shared<MyAvatar>(std::make_shared<Rig>()))
+    _myAvatar(std::make_shared<MyAvatar>(qApp->thread(), std::make_shared<Rig>()))
 {
     // register a meta type for the weak pointer we'll use for the owning avatar mixer for each avatar
     qRegisterMetaType<QWeakPointer<Node> >("NodeWeakPointer");
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ void AvatarManager::init() {
             this, &AvatarManager::updateAvatarRenderStatus, Qt::QueuedConnection);
 
     if (_shouldRender) {
-        render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+        const render::ScenePointer& scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
         render::Transaction transaction;
         _myAvatar->addToScene(_myAvatar, scene, transaction);
         scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ void AvatarManager::updateOtherAvatars(float deltaTime) {
 
         // for ALL avatars...
         if (_shouldRender) {
-            avatar->ensureInScene(avatar);
+            avatar->ensureInScene(avatar, qApp->getMain3DScene());
         }
         if (!avatar->getMotionState()) {
             ShapeInfo shapeInfo;
@@ -306,12 +306,10 @@ void AvatarManager::simulateAvatarFades(float deltaTime) {
         if (avatar->getTargetScale() <= MIN_FADE_SCALE) {
             // fading to zero is such a rare event we push unique transaction for each one
             if (avatar->isInScene()) {
-                render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+                const render::ScenePointer& scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
                 render::Transaction transaction;
                 avatar->removeFromScene(*itr, scene, transaction);
-                if (scene) {
-                    scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
-                }
+                scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
             }
 
             // only remove from _avatarsToFade if we're sure its motionState has been removed from PhysicsEngine
@@ -329,7 +327,7 @@ void AvatarManager::simulateAvatarFades(float deltaTime) {
 }
 
 AvatarSharedPointer AvatarManager::newSharedAvatar() {
-    return std::make_shared<Avatar>(std::make_shared<Rig>());
+    return std::make_shared<Avatar>(qApp->thread(), std::make_shared<Rig>());
 }
 
 void AvatarManager::processAvatarDataPacket(QSharedPointer<ReceivedMessage> message, SharedNodePointer sendingNode) {
@@ -343,19 +341,19 @@ void AvatarManager::processAvatarDataPacket(QSharedPointer<ReceivedMessage> mess
             if (avatar->isInScene()) {
                 if (!_shouldRender) {
                     // rare transition so we process the transaction immediately
-                    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+                    const render::ScenePointer& scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+                    render::Transaction transaction;
+                    avatar->removeFromScene(avatar, scene, transaction);
                     if (scene) {
-                        render::Transaction transaction;
-                        avatar->removeFromScene(avatar, scene, transaction);
                         scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
                     }
                 }
             } else if (_shouldRender) {
                 // very rare transition so we process the transaction immediately
-                render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+                const render::ScenePointer& scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+                render::Transaction transaction;
+                avatar->addToScene(avatar, scene, transaction);
                 if (scene) {
-                    render::Transaction transaction;
-                    avatar->addToScene(avatar, scene, transaction);
                     scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
                 }
             }
@@ -394,7 +392,7 @@ void AvatarManager::handleRemovedAvatar(const AvatarSharedPointer& removedAvatar
 void AvatarManager::clearOtherAvatars() {
     // Remove other avatars from the world but don't actually remove them from _avatarHash
     // each will either be removed on timeout or will re-added to the world on receipt of update.
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+    const render::ScenePointer& scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
     render::Transaction transaction;
 
     QReadLocker locker(&_hashLock);
@@ -414,9 +412,7 @@ void AvatarManager::clearOtherAvatars() {
         }
         ++avatarIterator;
     }
-    if (scene) {
-        scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
-    }
+    scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
     _myAvatar->clearLookAtTargetAvatar();
 }
 
@@ -522,7 +518,7 @@ void AvatarManager::handleCollisionEvents(const CollisionEvents& collisionEvents
 
 void AvatarManager::updateAvatarRenderStatus(bool shouldRenderAvatars) {
     _shouldRender = shouldRenderAvatars;
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
+    const render::ScenePointer& scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
     render::Transaction transaction;
     if (_shouldRender) {
         for (auto avatarData : _avatarHash) {
@@ -535,9 +531,7 @@ void AvatarManager::updateAvatarRenderStatus(bool shouldRenderAvatars) {
             avatar->removeFromScene(avatar, scene, transaction);
         }
     }
-    if (scene) {
-        scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
-    }
+    scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
 }
 
 AvatarSharedPointer AvatarManager::getAvatarBySessionID(const QUuid& sessionID) const {
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.h b/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.h
index b86de68894..6eabbd081f 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.h
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/AvatarManager.h
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include <shared/RateCounter.h>
 
 #include "Avatar.h"
+#include "MyAvatar.h"
 #include "AvatarMotionState.h"
 #include "ScriptAvatar.h"
 
@@ -42,6 +43,7 @@ public:
     void init();
 
     std::shared_ptr<MyAvatar> getMyAvatar() { return _myAvatar; }
+    glm::vec3 getMyAvatarPosition() const { return _myAvatar->getPosition(); }
 
     // Null/Default-constructed QUuids will return MyAvatar
     Q_INVOKABLE virtual ScriptAvatarData* getAvatar(QUuid avatarID) override { return new ScriptAvatar(getAvatarBySessionID(avatarID)); }
@@ -110,7 +112,7 @@ private:
 
     QVector<AvatarSharedPointer> _avatarsToFade;
 
-    SetOfAvatarMotionStates _motionStatesThatMightUpdate;
+    QSet<AvatarMotionState*> _motionStatesThatMightUpdate;
     VectorOfMotionStates _motionStatesToRemoveFromPhysics;
     SetOfMotionStates _motionStatesToAddToPhysics;
 
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/AvatarMotionState.h b/interface/src/avatar/AvatarMotionState.h
index 66824d6e37..98b2b69373 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/AvatarMotionState.h
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/AvatarMotionState.h
@@ -83,6 +83,4 @@ protected:
     uint32_t _dirtyFlags;
 };
 
-typedef QSet<AvatarMotionState*> SetOfAvatarMotionStates;
-
 #endif // hifi_AvatarMotionState_h
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
index da09bfba7e..f4f078c9e5 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
@@ -48,7 +48,6 @@
 #include "AvatarActionHold.h"
 #include "Menu.h"
 #include "MyAvatar.h"
-#include "Physics.h"
 #include "Util.h"
 #include "InterfaceLogging.h"
 #include "DebugDraw.h"
@@ -83,8 +82,8 @@ const float MyAvatar::ZOOM_MIN = 0.5f;
 const float MyAvatar::ZOOM_MAX = 25.0f;
 const float MyAvatar::ZOOM_DEFAULT = 1.5f;
 
-MyAvatar::MyAvatar(RigPointer rig) :
-    Avatar(rig),
+MyAvatar::MyAvatar(QThread* thread, RigPointer rig) :
+    Avatar(thread, rig),
     _wasPushing(false),
     _isPushing(false),
     _isBeingPushed(false),
@@ -260,7 +259,7 @@ void MyAvatar::simulateAttachments(float deltaTime) {
 }
 
 QByteArray MyAvatar::toByteArrayStateful(AvatarDataDetail dataDetail) {
-    CameraMode mode = qApp->getCamera()->getMode();
+    CameraMode mode = qApp->getCamera().getMode();
     _globalPosition = getPosition();
     _globalBoundingBoxDimensions.x = _characterController.getCapsuleRadius();
     _globalBoundingBoxDimensions.y = _characterController.getCapsuleHalfHeight();
@@ -752,13 +751,12 @@ controller::Pose MyAvatar::getRightHandTipPose() const {
 }
 
 // virtual
-void MyAvatar::render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPosition) {
+void MyAvatar::render(RenderArgs* renderArgs) {
     // don't render if we've been asked to disable local rendering
     if (!_shouldRender) {
         return; // exit early
     }
-
-    Avatar::render(renderArgs, cameraPosition);
+    Avatar::render(renderArgs);
 }
 
 void MyAvatar::overrideAnimation(const QString& url, float fps, bool loop, float firstFrame, float lastFrame) {
@@ -927,8 +925,7 @@ void MyAvatar::setEnableDebugDrawIKTargets(bool isEnabled) {
 }
 
 void MyAvatar::setEnableMeshVisible(bool isEnabled) {
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
-    _skeletonModel->setVisibleInScene(isEnabled, scene);
+    _skeletonModel->setVisibleInScene(isEnabled, qApp->getMain3DScene());
 }
 
 void MyAvatar::setUseAnimPreAndPostRotations(bool isEnabled) {
@@ -1079,7 +1076,7 @@ void MyAvatar::updateLookAtTargetAvatar() {
     _targetAvatarPosition = glm::vec3(0.0f);
 
     glm::vec3 lookForward = getHead()->getFinalOrientationInWorldFrame() * IDENTITY_FORWARD;
-    glm::vec3 cameraPosition = qApp->getCamera()->getPosition();
+    glm::vec3 cameraPosition = qApp->getCamera().getPosition();
 
     float smallestAngleTo = glm::radians(DEFAULT_FIELD_OF_VIEW_DEGREES) / 2.0f;
     const float KEEP_LOOKING_AT_CURRENT_ANGLE_FACTOR = 1.3f;
@@ -1225,8 +1222,7 @@ void MyAvatar::clearJointsData() {
 
 void MyAvatar::setSkeletonModelURL(const QUrl& skeletonModelURL) {
     Avatar::setSkeletonModelURL(skeletonModelURL);
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
-    _skeletonModel->setVisibleInScene(true, scene);
+    _skeletonModel->setVisibleInScene(true, qApp->getMain3DScene());
     _headBoneSet.clear();
 }
 
@@ -1275,7 +1271,7 @@ void MyAvatar::setAttachmentData(const QVector<AttachmentData>& attachmentData)
 }
 
 glm::vec3 MyAvatar::getSkeletonPosition() const {
-    CameraMode mode = qApp->getCamera()->getMode();
+    CameraMode mode = qApp->getCamera().getMode();
     if (mode == CAMERA_MODE_THIRD_PERSON || mode == CAMERA_MODE_INDEPENDENT) {
         // The avatar is rotated PI about the yAxis, so we have to correct for it
         // to get the skeleton offset contribution in the world-frame.
@@ -1540,7 +1536,7 @@ void MyAvatar::attach(const QString& modelURL, const QString& jointName,
     Avatar::attach(modelURL, jointName, translation, rotation, scale, isSoft, allowDuplicates, useSaved);
 }
 
-void MyAvatar::setVisibleInSceneIfReady(Model* model, render::ScenePointer scene, bool visible) {
+void MyAvatar::setVisibleInSceneIfReady(Model* model, const render::ScenePointer& scene, bool visible) {
     if (model->isActive() && model->isRenderable()) {
         model->setVisibleInScene(visible, scene);
     }
@@ -1634,8 +1630,7 @@ void MyAvatar::postUpdate(float deltaTime) {
 
     Avatar::postUpdate(deltaTime);
 
-    render::ScenePointer scene = qApp->getMain3DScene();
-    if (DependencyManager::get<SceneScriptingInterface>()->shouldRenderAvatars() && _skeletonModel->initWhenReady(scene)) {
+    if (DependencyManager::get<SceneScriptingInterface>()->shouldRenderAvatars() && _skeletonModel->initWhenReady(qApp->getMain3DScene())) {
         initHeadBones();
         _skeletonModel->setCauterizeBoneSet(_headBoneSet);
         _fstAnimGraphOverrideUrl = _skeletonModel->getGeometry()->getAnimGraphOverrideUrl();
@@ -1704,13 +1699,13 @@ void MyAvatar::preDisplaySide(RenderArgs* renderArgs) {
 const float RENDER_HEAD_CUTOFF_DISTANCE = 0.3f;
 
 bool MyAvatar::cameraInsideHead() const {
-    const glm::vec3 cameraPosition = qApp->getCamera()->getPosition();
+    const glm::vec3 cameraPosition = qApp->getCamera().getPosition();
     return glm::length(cameraPosition - getHeadPosition()) < (RENDER_HEAD_CUTOFF_DISTANCE * getUniformScale());
 }
 
 bool MyAvatar::shouldRenderHead(const RenderArgs* renderArgs) const {
     bool defaultMode = renderArgs->_renderMode == RenderArgs::DEFAULT_RENDER_MODE;
-    bool firstPerson = qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON;
+    bool firstPerson = qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_FIRST_PERSON;
     bool insideHead = cameraInsideHead();
     return !defaultMode || !firstPerson || !insideHead;
 }
@@ -2265,7 +2260,7 @@ glm::vec3 MyAvatar::getPositionForAudio() {
         case AudioListenerMode::FROM_HEAD:
             return getHead()->getPosition();
         case AudioListenerMode::FROM_CAMERA:
-            return qApp->getCamera()->getPosition();
+            return qApp->getCamera().getPosition();
         case AudioListenerMode::CUSTOM:
             return _customListenPosition;
     }
@@ -2277,7 +2272,7 @@ glm::quat MyAvatar::getOrientationForAudio() {
         case AudioListenerMode::FROM_HEAD:
             return getHead()->getFinalOrientationInWorldFrame();
         case AudioListenerMode::FROM_CAMERA:
-            return qApp->getCamera()->getOrientation();
+            return qApp->getCamera().getOrientation();
         case AudioListenerMode::CUSTOM:
             return _customListenOrientation;
     }
@@ -2367,7 +2362,7 @@ void MyAvatar::FollowHelper::decrementTimeRemaining(float dt) {
 }
 
 bool MyAvatar::FollowHelper::shouldActivateRotation(const MyAvatar& myAvatar, const glm::mat4& desiredBodyMatrix, const glm::mat4& currentBodyMatrix) const {
-    auto cameraMode = qApp->getCamera()->getMode();
+    auto cameraMode = qApp->getCamera().getMode();
     if (cameraMode == CAMERA_MODE_THIRD_PERSON) {
         return false;
     } else {
@@ -2515,8 +2510,8 @@ void MyAvatar::setAway(bool value) {
 glm::mat4 MyAvatar::computeCameraRelativeHandControllerMatrix(const glm::mat4& controllerSensorMatrix) const {
 
     // Fetch the current camera transform.
-    glm::mat4 cameraWorldMatrix = qApp->getCamera()->getTransform();
-    if (qApp->getCamera()->getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_MIRROR) {
+    glm::mat4 cameraWorldMatrix = qApp->getCamera().getTransform();
+    if (qApp->getCamera().getMode() == CAMERA_MODE_MIRROR) {
         cameraWorldMatrix *= createMatFromScaleQuatAndPos(vec3(-1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f), glm::quat(), glm::vec3());
     }
 
@@ -2561,7 +2556,7 @@ glm::quat MyAvatar::getAbsoluteJointRotationInObjectFrame(int index) const {
             Transform avatarTransform;
             Transform::mult(avatarTransform, getParentTransform(success), getLocalTransform());
             glm::mat4 invAvatarMat = avatarTransform.getInverseMatrix();
-            return glmExtractRotation(invAvatarMat * qApp->getCamera()->getTransform());
+            return glmExtractRotation(invAvatarMat * qApp->getCamera().getTransform());
         }
         default: {
             return Avatar::getAbsoluteJointRotationInObjectFrame(index);
@@ -2598,7 +2593,7 @@ glm::vec3 MyAvatar::getAbsoluteJointTranslationInObjectFrame(int index) const {
             Transform avatarTransform;
             Transform::mult(avatarTransform, getParentTransform(success), getLocalTransform());
             glm::mat4 invAvatarMat = avatarTransform.getInverseMatrix();
-            return extractTranslation(invAvatarMat * qApp->getCamera()->getTransform());
+            return extractTranslation(invAvatarMat * qApp->getCamera().getTransform());
         }
         default: {
             return Avatar::getAbsoluteJointTranslationInObjectFrame(index);
diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h
index 097d3a1059..74af44c99a 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.h
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ public:
     };
     Q_ENUM(DriveKeys)
 
-    explicit MyAvatar(RigPointer rig);
+    explicit MyAvatar(QThread* thread, RigPointer rig);
     ~MyAvatar();
 
     void registerMetaTypes(QScriptEngine* engine);
@@ -525,7 +525,7 @@ private:
 
     void simulate(float deltaTime);
     void updateFromTrackers(float deltaTime);
-    virtual void render(RenderArgs* renderArgs, const glm::vec3& cameraPositio) override;
+    virtual void render(RenderArgs* renderArgs) override;
     virtual bool shouldRenderHead(const RenderArgs* renderArgs) const override;
     void setShouldRenderLocally(bool shouldRender) { _shouldRender = shouldRender; setEnableMeshVisible(shouldRender); }
     bool getShouldRenderLocally() const { return _shouldRender; }
@@ -551,7 +551,7 @@ private:
     // These are made private for MyAvatar so that you will use the "use" methods instead
     virtual void setSkeletonModelURL(const QUrl& skeletonModelURL) override;
 
-    void setVisibleInSceneIfReady(Model* model, render::ScenePointer scene, bool visiblity);
+    void setVisibleInSceneIfReady(Model* model, const render::ScenePointer& scene, bool visiblity);
 
     // derive avatar body position and orientation from the current HMD Sensor location.
     // results are in HMD frame
diff --git a/interface/src/scripting/HMDScriptingInterface.cpp b/interface/src/scripting/HMDScriptingInterface.cpp
index e2fed40a6d..95bf5eb028 100644
--- a/interface/src/scripting/HMDScriptingInterface.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/scripting/HMDScriptingInterface.cpp
@@ -105,9 +105,9 @@ QScriptValue HMDScriptingInterface::getHUDLookAtPosition3D(QScriptContext* conte
 }
 
 bool HMDScriptingInterface::getHUDLookAtPosition3D(glm::vec3& result) const {
-    Camera* camera = qApp->getCamera();
-    glm::vec3 position = camera->getPosition();
-    glm::quat orientation = camera->getOrientation();
+    const Camera& camera = qApp->getCamera();
+    glm::vec3 position = camera.getPosition();
+    glm::quat orientation = camera.getOrientation();
 
     glm::vec3 direction = orientation * glm::vec3(0.0f, 0.0f, -1.0f);
 
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/overlays/Billboardable.cpp b/interface/src/ui/overlays/Billboardable.cpp
index a6226a46b0..a01d62bfd1 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/overlays/Billboardable.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/ui/overlays/Billboardable.cpp
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ QVariant Billboardable::getProperty(const QString &property) {
 void Billboardable::pointTransformAtCamera(Transform& transform, glm::quat offsetRotation) {
     if (isFacingAvatar()) {
         glm::vec3 billboardPos = transform.getTranslation();
-        glm::vec3 cameraPos = qApp->getCamera()->getPosition();
+        glm::vec3 cameraPos = qApp->getCamera().getPosition();
         glm::vec3 look = cameraPos - billboardPos;
         float elevation = -asinf(look.y / glm::length(look));
         float azimuth = atan2f(look.x, look.z);
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.cpp b/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.cpp
index 98ca7110ae..ccaa1d4fbc 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.cpp
@@ -58,13 +58,13 @@ void ModelOverlay::update(float deltatime) {
     _isLoaded = _model->isActive();
 }
 
-bool ModelOverlay::addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+bool ModelOverlay::addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     Volume3DOverlay::addToScene(overlay, scene, transaction);
     _model->addToScene(scene, transaction);
     return true;
 }
 
-void ModelOverlay::removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+void ModelOverlay::removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     Volume3DOverlay::removeFromScene(overlay, scene, transaction);
     _model->removeFromScene(scene, transaction);
 }
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.h b/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.h
index 245688156f..a3ddeed480 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.h
+++ b/interface/src/ui/overlays/ModelOverlay.h
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@ public:
 
     virtual ModelOverlay* createClone() const override;
 
-    virtual bool addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
-    virtual void removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual bool addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual void removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
 
     void locationChanged(bool tellPhysics) override;
 
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.cpp b/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.cpp
index e3004bd9c6..b650da3522 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.cpp
@@ -196,13 +196,13 @@ float Overlay::updatePulse() {
     return _pulse;
 }
 
-bool Overlay::addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+bool Overlay::addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     _renderItemID = scene->allocateID();
     transaction.resetItem(_renderItemID, std::make_shared<Overlay::Payload>(overlay));
     return true;
 }
 
-void Overlay::removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+void Overlay::removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_renderItemID);
     render::Item::clearID(_renderItemID);
 }
diff --git a/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.h b/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.h
index 9849c71a1f..4ad1b070b1 100644
--- a/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.h
+++ b/interface/src/ui/overlays/Overlay.h
@@ -48,8 +48,8 @@ public:
     virtual AABox getBounds() const = 0;
     virtual bool supportsGetProperty() const { return true; }
 
-    virtual bool addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction);
-    virtual void removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction);
+    virtual bool addToScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction);
+    virtual void removeFromScene(Overlay::Pointer overlay, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction);
 
     virtual const render::ShapeKey getShapeKey() { return render::ShapeKey::Builder::ownPipeline(); }
 
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableEntityItem.h b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableEntityItem.h
index 2f053924ab..1c08707e82 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableEntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableEntityItem.h
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ namespace render {
 // Mixin class for implementing basic single item rendering
 class SimpleRenderableEntityItem {
 public:
-    bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+    bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
         _myItem = scene->allocateID();
 
         auto renderData = std::make_shared<RenderableEntityItemProxy>(self, _myItem);
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ public:
         return true;
     }
 
-    void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+    void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
         transaction.removeItem(_myItem);
         render::Item::clearID(_myItem);
     }
@@ -99,8 +99,8 @@ private:
 
 #define SIMPLE_RENDERABLE() \
 public: \
-    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override { return _renderHelper.addToScene(self, scene, transaction); } \
-    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override { _renderHelper.removeFromScene(self, scene, transaction); } \
+    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override { return _renderHelper.addToScene(self, scene, transaction); } \
+    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override { _renderHelper.removeFromScene(self, scene, transaction); } \
     virtual void locationChanged(bool tellPhysics = true) override { EntityItem::locationChanged(tellPhysics); _renderHelper.notifyChanged(); } \
     virtual void dimensionsChanged() override { EntityItem::dimensionsChanged(); _renderHelper.notifyChanged(); } \
     void checkFading() { \
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.cpp b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.cpp
index 0b8592e678..cc292759f0 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.cpp
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ RenderableLightEntityItem::RenderableLightEntityItem(const EntityItemID& entityI
 {
 }
 
-bool RenderableLightEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+bool RenderableLightEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     _myItem = scene->allocateID();
 
     auto renderItem = std::make_shared<LightPayload>();
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ void RenderableLightEntityItem::somethingChangedNotification() {
     LightEntityItem::somethingChangedNotification();
 }
 
-void RenderableLightEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+void RenderableLightEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_myItem);
     render::Item::clearID(_myItem);
 }
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.h b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.h
index 42a5dbc91a..3676023bed 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableLightEntityItem.h
@@ -30,10 +30,10 @@ public:
 
     void updateLightFromEntity(render::Transaction& transaction);
 
-    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
 
     virtual void somethingChangedNotification() override;
-    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
 
     virtual void locationChanged(bool tellPhysics = true) override;
 
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.cpp b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.cpp
index 99669ef3bf..8b1ba75259 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.cpp
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.cpp
@@ -91,13 +91,13 @@ bool RenderableModelEntityItem::setProperties(const EntityItemProperties& proper
     return somethingChanged;
 }
 
-int RenderableModelEntityItem::readEntitySubclassDataFromBuffer(const unsigned char* data, int bytesLeftToRead, 
+int RenderableModelEntityItem::readEntitySubclassDataFromBuffer(const unsigned char* data, int bytesLeftToRead,
                                                 ReadBitstreamToTreeParams& args,
                                                 EntityPropertyFlags& propertyFlags, bool overwriteLocalData,
                                                 bool& somethingChanged) {
     QString oldModelURL = getModelURL();
-    int bytesRead = ModelEntityItem::readEntitySubclassDataFromBuffer(data, bytesLeftToRead, 
-                                                                      args, propertyFlags, 
+    int bytesRead = ModelEntityItem::readEntitySubclassDataFromBuffer(data, bytesLeftToRead,
+                                                                      args, propertyFlags,
                                                                       overwriteLocalData, somethingChanged);
     if (oldModelURL != getModelURL()) {
         _needsModelReload = true;
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ void RenderableModelEntityItem::remapTextures() {
     if (!_model) {
         return; // nothing to do if we don't have a model
     }
-    
+
     if (!_model->isLoaded()) {
         return; // nothing to do if the model has not yet loaded
     }
@@ -189,16 +189,16 @@ public:
     RenderableModelEntityItemMeta(EntityItemPointer entity) : entity(entity){ }
     typedef render::Payload<RenderableModelEntityItemMeta> Payload;
     typedef Payload::DataPointer Pointer;
-   
+
     EntityItemPointer entity;
 };
 
 namespace render {
-    template <> const ItemKey payloadGetKey(const RenderableModelEntityItemMeta::Pointer& payload) { 
+    template <> const ItemKey payloadGetKey(const RenderableModelEntityItemMeta::Pointer& payload) {
         return ItemKey::Builder::opaqueShape().withTypeMeta();
     }
-    
-    template <> const Item::Bound payloadGetBound(const RenderableModelEntityItemMeta::Pointer& payload) { 
+
+    template <> const Item::Bound payloadGetBound(const RenderableModelEntityItemMeta::Pointer& payload) {
         if (payload && payload->entity) {
             bool success;
             auto result = payload->entity->getAABox(success);
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ namespace render {
     }
 }
 
-bool RenderableModelEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, 
+bool RenderableModelEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                             render::Transaction& transaction) {
     _myMetaItem = scene->allocateID();
 
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ bool RenderableModelEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_p
     return true;
 }
 
-void RenderableModelEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+void RenderableModelEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                                 render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_myMetaItem);
     render::Item::clearID(_myMetaItem);
@@ -437,7 +437,7 @@ void RenderableModelEntityItem::render(RenderArgs* args) {
         _model->renderDebugMeshBoxes(batch);
 #endif
 
-        render::ScenePointer scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
+        const render::ScenePointer& scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
 
         // FIXME: this seems like it could be optimized if we tracked our last known visible state in
         //        the renderable item. As it stands now the model checks it's visible/invisible state
@@ -502,11 +502,11 @@ ModelPointer RenderableModelEntityItem::getModel(QSharedPointer<EntityTreeRender
         _myRenderer = renderer;
     }
     assert(_myRenderer == renderer); // you should only ever render on one renderer
-    
+
     if (!_myRenderer || QThread::currentThread() != _myRenderer->thread()) {
         return _model;
     }
-    
+
     _needsModelReload = false; // this is the reload
 
     // If we have a URL, then we will want to end up returning a model...
@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@ ModelPointer RenderableModelEntityItem::getModel(QSharedPointer<EntityTreeRender
     // If we have no URL, then we can delete any model we do have...
     } else if (_model) {
         // remove from scene
-        render::ScenePointer scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
+        const render::ScenePointer& scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
         render::Transaction transaction;
         _model->removeFromScene(scene, transaction);
         scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
@@ -552,7 +552,7 @@ void RenderableModelEntityItem::update(const quint64& now) {
                 properties.setLastEdited(usecTimestampNow()); // we must set the edit time since we're editing it
                 auto extents = _model->getMeshExtents();
                 properties.setDimensions(extents.maximum - extents.minimum);
-                qCDebug(entitiesrenderer) << "Autoresizing" << (!getName().isEmpty() ? getName() : getModelURL()) 
+                qCDebug(entitiesrenderer) << "Autoresizing" << (!getName().isEmpty() ? getName() : getModelURL())
                     << "from mesh extents";
                 QMetaObject::invokeMethod(DependencyManager::get<EntityScriptingInterface>().data(), "editEntity",
                                         Qt::QueuedConnection,
@@ -594,8 +594,8 @@ bool RenderableModelEntityItem::supportsDetailedRayIntersection() const {
     return _model && _model->isLoaded();
 }
 
-bool RenderableModelEntityItem::findDetailedRayIntersection(const glm::vec3& origin, const glm::vec3& direction, 
-                         bool& keepSearching, OctreeElementPointer& element, float& distance, BoxFace& face, 
+bool RenderableModelEntityItem::findDetailedRayIntersection(const glm::vec3& origin, const glm::vec3& direction,
+                         bool& keepSearching, OctreeElementPointer& element, float& distance, BoxFace& face,
                          glm::vec3& surfaceNormal, void** intersectedObject, bool precisionPicking) const {
     if (!_model) {
         return true;
@@ -1239,11 +1239,10 @@ void RenderableModelEntityItem::locationChanged(bool tellPhysics) {
                 return;
             }
 
-            render::ScenePointer scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
             render::Transaction transaction;
 
             transaction.updateItem(myMetaItem);
-            scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
+            AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene()->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
         });
     }
 }
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.h b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.h
index 7eab5172d8..b440aacd7e 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableModelEntityItem.h
@@ -40,8 +40,8 @@ public:
 
     void doInitialModelSimulation();
 
-    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
-    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
 
 
     void updateModelBounds();
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.cpp b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.cpp
index fdf9ba888f..34dc86d92a 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.cpp
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.cpp
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem::RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem(const Ent
 }
 
 bool RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self,
-                                                    render::ScenePointer scene,
+                                                    const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                                     render::Transaction& transaction) {
     _scene = scene;
     _renderItemId = _scene->allocateID();
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ bool RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self,
 }
 
 void RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self,
-                                                         render::ScenePointer scene,
+                                                         const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                                          render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_renderItemId);
     _scene = nullptr;
@@ -323,4 +323,4 @@ void RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem::notifyBoundChanged() {
     });
 
     _scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.h b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.h
index 9b31c92b07..daa6ba0691 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableParticleEffectEntityItem.h
@@ -25,8 +25,8 @@ public:
 
     void updateRenderItem();
 
-    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, render::ScenePointer scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
-    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, render::ScenePointer scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
 
 protected:
     virtual void locationChanged(bool tellPhysics = true) override { EntityItem::locationChanged(tellPhysics); notifyBoundChanged(); }
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.cpp b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.cpp
index ee3b068af9..fd5346093b 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.cpp
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.cpp
@@ -816,7 +816,7 @@ void RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem::render(RenderArgs* args) {
 }
 
 bool RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self,
-                                             std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+                                             const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                              render::Transaction& transaction) {
     _myItem = scene->allocateID();
 
@@ -834,7 +834,7 @@ bool RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self,
 }
 
 void RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self,
-                                                  std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+                                                  const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                                   render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_myItem);
     render::Item::clearID(_myItem);
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.h b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.h
index c0bc8ba610..ff97f09ee1 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderablePolyVoxEntityItem.h
@@ -106,10 +106,10 @@ public:
     virtual void setZTextureURL(const QString& zTextureURL) override;
 
     virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self,
-                            std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+                            const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                             render::Transaction& transaction) override;
     virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self,
-                                 std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+                                 const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                  render::Transaction& transaction) override;
 
     virtual void setXNNeighborID(const EntityItemID& xNNeighborID) override;
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.cpp b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.cpp
index c9a45465c2..66495a7054 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.cpp
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.cpp
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ namespace render {
     }
 }
 
-bool RenderableZoneEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+bool RenderableZoneEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                            render::Transaction& transaction) {
     _myMetaItem = scene->allocateID();
     
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ bool RenderableZoneEntityItem::addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_pt
     return true;
 }
 
-void RenderableZoneEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+void RenderableZoneEntityItem::removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                                 render::Transaction& transaction) {
     transaction.removeItem(_myMetaItem);
     render::Item::clearID(_myMetaItem);
diff --git a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.h b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.h
index d86a22509b..c81afdab08 100644
--- a/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities-renderer/src/RenderableZoneEntityItem.h
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@ public:
     virtual void render(RenderArgs* args) override;
     virtual bool contains(const glm::vec3& point) const override;
     
-    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
-    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
+    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) override;
     
     render::ItemID getRenderItemID() const { return _myMetaItem; }
 
diff --git a/libraries/entities/src/EntityItem.h b/libraries/entities/src/EntityItem.h
index 1ce916de66..3f75c595a5 100644
--- a/libraries/entities/src/EntityItem.h
+++ b/libraries/entities/src/EntityItem.h
@@ -151,9 +151,9 @@ public:
                                                 bool& somethingChanged)
                                                 { somethingChanged = false; return 0; }
 
-    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+    virtual bool addToScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                             render::Transaction& transaction) { return false; } // by default entity items don't add to scene
-    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+    virtual void removeFromScene(EntityItemPointer self, const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                                 render::Transaction& transaction) { } // by default entity items don't add to scene
     virtual void render(RenderArgs* args) { } // by default entity items don't know how to render
 
diff --git a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp
index c274d69af6..309182b25e 100644
--- a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp
+++ b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.cpp
@@ -231,8 +231,6 @@ void Model::updateRenderItems() {
         // We need to update them here so we can correctly update the bounding box.
         self->updateClusterMatrices();
 
-        render::ScenePointer scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
-
         uint32_t deleteGeometryCounter = self->_deleteGeometryCounter;
 
         render::Transaction transaction;
@@ -266,7 +264,7 @@ void Model::updateRenderItems() {
             });
         }
 
-        scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
+        AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene()->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
     });
 }
 
@@ -534,7 +532,7 @@ void Model::calculateTriangleSets() {
     }
 }
 
-void Model::setVisibleInScene(bool newValue, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene) {
+void Model::setVisibleInScene(bool newValue, const render::ScenePointer& scene) {
     if (_isVisible != newValue) {
         _isVisible = newValue;
 
@@ -550,7 +548,7 @@ void Model::setVisibleInScene(bool newValue, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scen
 }
 
 
-void Model::setLayeredInFront(bool layered, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene) {
+void Model::setLayeredInFront(bool layered, const render::ScenePointer& scene) {
     if (_isLayeredInFront != layered) {
         _isLayeredInFront = layered;
 
@@ -565,7 +563,7 @@ void Model::setLayeredInFront(bool layered, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene
     }
 }
 
-bool Model::addToScene(std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+bool Model::addToScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                        render::Transaction& transaction,
                        render::Item::Status::Getters& statusGetters) {
     bool readyToRender = _collisionGeometry || isLoaded();
@@ -622,7 +620,7 @@ bool Model::addToScene(std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
     return somethingAdded;
 }
 
-void Model::removeFromScene(std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
+void Model::removeFromScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction) {
     foreach (auto item, _modelMeshRenderItemsMap.keys()) {
         transaction.removeItem(item);
     }
@@ -795,7 +793,7 @@ void Model::setURL(const QUrl& url) {
 
     {
         render::Transaction transaction;
-        render::ScenePointer scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
+        const render::ScenePointer& scene = AbstractViewStateInterface::instance()->getMain3DScene();
         if (scene) {
             removeFromScene(scene, transaction);
             scene->enqueueTransaction(transaction);
@@ -1271,7 +1269,7 @@ bool Model::isRenderable() const {
     return !_meshStates.isEmpty() || (isLoaded() && _renderGeometry->getMeshes().empty());
 }
 
-bool Model::initWhenReady(render::ScenePointer scene) {
+bool Model::initWhenReady(const render::ScenePointer& scene) {
     // NOTE: this only called by SkeletonModel
     if (_addedToScene || !isRenderable()) {
         return false;
diff --git a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h
index e852358bc4..62e045a3c1 100644
--- a/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h
+++ b/libraries/render-utils/src/Model.h
@@ -81,21 +81,21 @@ public:
     const QUrl& getURL() const { return _url; }
 
     // new Scene/Engine rendering support
-    void setVisibleInScene(bool newValue, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene);
-    void setLayeredInFront(bool layered, std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene);
+    void setVisibleInScene(bool newValue, const render::ScenePointer& scene);
+    void setLayeredInFront(bool layered, const render::ScenePointer& scene);
     bool needsFixupInScene() const;
 
     bool needsReload() const { return _needsReload; }
-    bool initWhenReady(render::ScenePointer scene);
-    bool addToScene(std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+    bool initWhenReady(const render::ScenePointer& scene);
+    bool addToScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                     render::Transaction& transaction) {
         auto getters = render::Item::Status::Getters(0);
         return addToScene(scene, transaction, getters);
     }
-    bool addToScene(std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene,
+    bool addToScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene,
                     render::Transaction& transaction,
                     render::Item::Status::Getters& statusGetters);
-    void removeFromScene(std::shared_ptr<render::Scene> scene, render::Transaction& transaction);
+    void removeFromScene(const render::ScenePointer& scene, render::Transaction& transaction);
     bool isRenderable() const;
 
     bool isVisible() const { return _isVisible; }
diff --git a/libraries/shared/src/RenderArgs.h b/libraries/shared/src/RenderArgs.h
index 50722c0deb..10a9a20287 100644
--- a/libraries/shared/src/RenderArgs.h
+++ b/libraries/shared/src/RenderArgs.h
@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@
 
 class AABox;
 class OctreeRenderer;
+namespace render {
+    class Scene;
+    using ScenePointer = std::shared_ptr<Scene>;
+}
 
 namespace gpu {
 class Batch;
@@ -126,6 +130,8 @@ public:
     bool _enableTexturing { true };
 
     RenderDetails _details;
+    render::ScenePointer _scene; // HACK
+    int8_t _cameraMode { -1 }; // HACK
 };
 
 #endif // hifi_RenderArgs_h