For Tools:
OpenFX- Modellor, Free
http://www.openfx.org/
Anvil Music Studio- Free and Paid Version, Music Creation Software
http://www.anvilstudio.com/
Sony Acid Xpress- Free Version (Music Studio is Full), Music Mixing Software
http://www.acidplanet.com/default.asp?Cookie=
Character FX- Animation Software for Characters, Free as of 9/22/08
http://www.insanesoftware.de/