What would be the best program to begin playing with special fx?
I have no experience in fx and would like to begin adding some to my films.

well, I don't know what NLE you're using (Avid, Premiere, FCP???), but I'd start by learning how to use your NLE for effects. This way you don't need to learn a new app. You'd be surprised how many different effects you can accomplice just with your NLE and photoshop.

Otherwise, After Effects is a great all around compositor with some built in effects and filters. Much like photoshop, it's a program that can grow with you as you advance in experience. And the knowledge base is greatest for this program (so there's more tutorials, online help, books, etc for AE than any other compositor).

For a beginner, don't overlook AlamDV -- it's easy and it's cheap. What it is not is powerful or versatile.

Thanks guys.
I'm using Premier Pro, if that helps. I'll check out AlamDV as well.

I think that if you can use Premiere Pro, the learning curve from that to After Effects won't be bad at all...

Def. go to Adobe.com and download their free 30 day trial and mess around to see if you like it.
After Effects is simple once you get used to the interface, but coming from another Adobe app, you should be fine.

You can go to creativecow.net, and do a search in their AE forum to see some awesome tutorials for beginners.

Good luck!

-j.