What are good progs. for animation?

[videocheez]

My son has an interest in computer animation and so do I for that matter. We would like to know of any programs that are recommended. I would like to eventually merge some of the animations with some home movies to make some extra humor.
Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

VC

[guns1inger]

What sort of animation ?
2d or 3d ?
Can you draw ?
Simple Terry Gilliam type animation, or more complex stuff ?

[thecoalman]

Basic 3-D animator: http://www.ulead.com/c3ds/runme.htm If you try it here's a quick tip... group objects together...

Haven't used it but I've seen Wax mentioned before and that's free.

[scardi]

Ulead Cool 3D production studio is very easy and full of humor
You may try Ulead Cool 3D 3.5 as well
http://www.ulead.com/download/download.htm

[Bjs]

Blender ... grab all the toturial's and guide's ... then do a google search as well , as many guide's are also available that are not linked to blender's website .

Capable of both producing game's and animation video .

Take's time to learn it ... but when it's free ... and you have time ... you cant do better .

[videocheez]

What sort of animation ?
2d or 3d ?
Can you draw ?
Simple Terry Gilliam type animation, or more complex stuff ?

I can't draw but my son can. He likes to draw cartoon characters (Family Guy, Spongebob etc. )and would like to make them doing things that they don't show on TV.

I want to find him a fairly simple starter program to keep him interested this summer. I don't want there to be a huge learning curve.

Thx,

VC