Freeware

Starting out with Monkeyjam animation freeware for my first shots. So far so good.
You can find their software here

http://monkeyjam.org/

Basic gear

I'm starting small with inexpensive equipment:

Microsoft "Lifecam" HD-3000 webcam,
Panavise as miniature tripod, and my battered, but dear old HP Pavilion dv9000 notebook.

Animated flame characters built

Finally got the carousel for the fire characters built. Will start some tests with stop-motion tonight.

My goal is to have the flames dance in a circle with the hero in celebration.