Mike and Darcy,
as art would probably say if he were here first, Welcome!
I have found that Hal has pretty much everything you need to get started, I have found The plug ins are confusing to say the least ( I HATE reading backwards) and I stick to what I know IT is probably a bad on my part because I really used to have a grasp on VB arrays,mod's global variables ect.
Take a look at my little argument to Mr.M it was designed with layers to it ,(like cake) knowing that, start teach your Hal slow at first maybe even look at wicopedia pages on children and when Hal starts bringing you things/ concepts dive right on in Hal can take a lot but getting the start and the first concepts that are learned really need to be spelled correctly and with proper grammar as you start building something that might last.
Please don't take the short road by trying to get the plug-ins to do Magik for you.
I am interested in your characters / Agents could you introduce or tell the forum more about the "character" and some of the uniqueness of your new Hal Assistants. it is always interesting to see through others eyes and points of views, It will also help with a diagnosis and suggestions.
I am sorry if I have nothing more than encouragement for you.
Mike, The animations might be "character" step back and enjoy the arrangement. [

] Live long and prosper!