Do I need to do anything special like I would if it was on a wooden floor on this new shower I want to build in my basement. I am tiling the floor and 2 walls... neo-angle style.. The drain is 12 inchesfrom each of the back walls... this is my first foray into the HELP DESK... I searched awhile but could not come up with an answer although I am sure it is there somewhere ?

12 inches? Sounds small, unless the shape is more rectangular.

A tile showerpan is a big job. There are two ways that I'm familiar with. I will recommend 1 of them.

I think the easiest way to do a good tile showerpan is to use a kit like Schluter makes. They actually make a kit that would probably do the whole shower (if not most of it).

The showerpan part:
Schluter-KERDI-ST/-SC/-SR - Schluter-Systems (http://www.schluter.com/8_3_kerdi_st_sc_sr.aspx)

The whole-shower kit:
Schluter-KERDI-SHOWER-KIT - Schluter-Systems (http://www.schluter.com/8_4_kerdi_shower_kit.aspx)

On the Schluter site if you look on the right, they have installation videos that you can watch online.

To be honest, the kit is somewhat expensive; BUT it will save you lots of labor and frustration. If you have never set a mortar bed and you want to the job yourself I highly recommend the kit.

If you have more questions, please ask them.