Paint Smear Mask Effect

[Hakuryoku]

Hey all,

I'm currently working on a personal slideshow project, and there's a few great effects I saw in the following AMV, and I was wondering if anyone could help an AE novice with them a little.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4KfXvCcPEI

Effect 1, is the effect seen right from the get go, I can tell masking is used to achieve this effect, But how is it by use of a pre-rendered image or is there an effect that can aid in achieving this?

Effect 2, is the photo montage at the end, Any tips on achieving this effectively? However I think I have a grasp on this one!

Help would be appreciated, I've scoured the internet for tips, but haven't had much luck!

Cheers,