Hoa to create 3d minecraft animations?

Blender; free alternative to Maya ($3,700) and After Effects ($240/year).
http://blender.org/...lender.org

Blender has a complete VFX pipeline in one single software package. Blender has tools for modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, rotoscoping, chroma keying (green screen), motion tracking, smoke, fire, and fluid simulation, particles, destruction, physics, color grading, node compositing, and video editing.

Blender has the most artist friendly and versatile UI of all 3D software; easy to modify for your specific needs. Blender also has the fastest workflow in the industry.

The easiest and most detailed tutorial on how to use Blender is Neal Hirsig's tutorial at http://gryllus.net/Blender/3D.html

Start with the first four lessons of Neal Hirsig's tutorial.

Blender is 100% free with full functionality, no adware, no spyware, and no viruses, and you're allowed to use Blender in any production without having to pay for anything.

Blender Artists (community forum)
http://blenderartists.org/forum

Blender Cookie (tutorials)
http://cgcookie.com/blender

Blender Demo Reel 2013

Minecraft: Piston Problems (Blender)