Explode image into a “new” image – a creation

[Eric Holzapfel]

Hello Forum,
This is a great forum.
I would like some suggestions on a possible workflow to accomplish the effect below.
I have some video footage of playdoh that I would like to give the appearance of moving, etc.

I would like to explode or morph (etc) a chunk of playdoh
into a small child. The playdoh “turns in” to a small child.
I am familar with Apple Motion, and Adobe After Effects. This will be a film, most likely
on a DVD, and possible Youtube post. I was thinking that Adobe After Effects might be
better for this than apple motion. I am using FCP 7. Should I create a couple of still images,
and use those in a comp, masking or vignetting the playdoh. I would like to create an
effect such that it looks like the playdoh is vibrating or squishing or moving is some manner,
then all of a sudden it explodes, and presto changeo a small child has been born.

I am thinking some form of particle generator, etc. Should I work with the video clip (which is more or less static) or create some still frames, and tweak in AE or Motion or Photoshop?

Thanks for a helpful forum.

Eric W. Holzapfel

Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop