A lot was just the time and the books to read---but as for the commercial (which I'm doing a better one to take it's place--shorter/funnier), I actually had my very first customer BUY me the software to make it.

I'm not joking. She liked the comic book so much--she got me a $700 piece of software (which you can get for MUCH less if you have access to a 'student'). It's called Vegas 5 , by Sony.You can make the best commercials, DVDs, etc with it.

Im still learning the thing---but it is VERY user friendly. I recommend it highly. Another is to geta copy of 'SWISH'. It's the best shortcut for FLASH anything. Again, user friendly, and costs very little (friend loaded his on my computer).

There are many, many programs out there that you can use. I'm still finding them myself.