[fireball3004]

Advice... am I qualified? not really, but after 3 animations, this is what I've learned.
1. make timeline
2. go to firstbase.autodesk.com and download 3DS MAX
3. pick an idea quickly (must be about a new inovation for your community)
4. Make a story board + script (check your time, only aloted 30seconds)
5. Have someone record the audio while you get to work (make sure it's good audio)
6. start off by modeling your scenes (have a good mental picture first)
7. model the objects (have a good mental picture, and maybe check out some pictures)
8. start animating with key frames and trajectories (follow your audio)
9. render (leave extra time for this step)
10. clip it together in combustion (if it ever gets running or do it hush hush in another program)
11. fill out the form and submit your entry.
12. sit back, relax, and feel proud of yourself for getting it all done