I've been browsing a few tutorials, and it seems as if even the most commonly used effects (like taking a character/object from one scene and superimposing them over another) requires the use of Adobe After Effects. This might seem like an idiotic question, but since I don't currently have the program, just how vital is it to making an Avatar Music Video that uses effects?
Also, if I did manage to get a hold of AE, when exactly am I supposed to use it? Do I use it on the source clips, or do I import my 'bare' Avatar Music Video into the program and work from there?

