Need help with Photoshopping techniques (Possible filter help)

[camaroni]

Sorry if this is the wrong section but I had no idea where to put this. (Mode please move if this is the wrong section)

I'm trying to make some gifs from some video clips and it is taking forever cutting out objects frame by frame. Does anyone have a good technique to speed up the process? I also want to minimize the amount of artifacts outside the object as well. Any tips on that?

Last thing. I want to add this effect to a few pictures I have:

[IMG]http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv97/fer-chan/Cowboy%20Bebop/1024-by-768-238568-20061005200533.jpg?t=1244857858[/IMG]

Is there a series of filters that will accomplish this or does it need to be done by hand? Thanks in advance.

[CoolCorky]

Increase the contrast

a lot

[camaroni]

OK. I'll give that a shot. Any advice on how to more effectively cut of objects for gifs?