markschim - setting a variable doesn't work, still not changing the frame.  as to why, I'm not so good at math, so i set multiple jumps and just pick one depending on the action that's happening in the animation. it makes things go much faster and smoother.

millighost - not ideal, but probably the best option yet.. I can't believe there is no way to change the frame from python in pro 2010, if it wasn't for the render times I'd prob go back to P7..