Hi Marshall,
If you are new to the plug-ins, you can try to follow along with the free video tutorials first. It will give you the foundation on how to use the programs. If you are looking into the training DVDs, you can start with "Making It Look Great 1" (I am assuming you are using ProAnimator). Making It Look Great 1 will show you the techniques to creating your 3D Text, and creating animated backgrounds with ProAnimator and After Effects.
For more information on the Making It Look Great series, you can check out the link below:
http://zaxwerks.com/dvdtraining/index.shtml'>
http://zaxwerks.com/dvdtraining/index.shtml
Best,
Edward