I've never animated anything before.
I need to animate a figure walking, running, falling, driving an invisible car, maybe swimming ... and possibly a cow falling from the sky.
It doesn't need to be spectacular - it could be as simple as a stick figure. I just need some pictures to show off my sound design skills.

I'm happy using graphics tools like Photoshop and am well versed in the concepts of video editing.

Is Poser something I could get basic results form in a couple of days?

Attached Link: http://www.daz3d.com/program/studio/1_0index.php

All that (the figures & motion files for walking, running, etc) comes with the app as stock files. If not looking for anything stunning, you can get those default animations done with just a few clicks.

If you simply need to do it once, you may want to try the free version of DAZ STUDIO available at the link above

but be aware... heh-heh-heh...see the thread below: "You know you're addicted to Poser when...".

Attached Link: http://www.es3d.com./index2.html

Note that to get freaky, outlandish actions like walking, driving or swimming, you may need to buy an additional product. However normal, everyday actions like a cow falling from the sky are always free with the base package. :-D

And why you would want the sound of a cow falling from the sky in your sound design portfolio is something I don't know and don't WANT to know.

If you are on a tight deadline, and you actually have a budget, you might want to check out stock footage houses as well. You can buy live-action footage of real people doing most of those things. Also, don't discount the Prelinger Archive - a vast, online library of free, public-domain video footage. You can probably find examples of what you need there, and they are available for download in editable formats. No new skills needed ;-)

And what sound does a falling cow make? Geronimoooooooooo...............

And what sound does a falling cow make? "Oh, no, not again..."

Quote - And what sound does a falling cow make?

"MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... SPLAT" Or "MO MOOO! MO MOOO! ... MOOOOO MOOOOO?" Which simply translated means" "MY MILK! MY MILK! ... BUTTER ANYONE?"

If a cow falls in the pasture and no one hears it, did it make any sound? ...and what is the sound of one cow falling, Grasshopper?

SSSSSSSSpppaaattttaaaahhhhhh! Sorry couldn't resist. 8^P Marque

"If a cow falls in the pasture and no one hears it, did it make any sound?" You'd have to ask the cow. ;-)

basic..yup..real basic..;) I've been using Poser for years, and it still looks like a beginner..;) but, hey, if you just want to @#$ around, there's Daz Studio, free..and when you're ready for the big dogs, come play with Poser..

Heh. Welcome to the club. My first animation, I did mostly so I'd have something to write and synch music to. Since then I've done lots of 3d, and very little music....