Sorry to go off topic. but it’s for a workplace, I don’t think the Academy will get all litigious on you. Unless your workplace is like CBS and you plan on airing the staff awards and selling ad time.
There is something called Zaxworks that allows you to import 3d models into after effects, there is a forum on the cow about it. I have never used it but I hear good things about it.
Make sure you have your CAP LOCKS ON. This will stop AE from trying to draw the screen. If it opens then you can delete any effects form the footage that may be causing the crash.