i got it done!
Just in case people hit this prob here's what I did:
Create a group with my skinned chacacter bones and all. Then instance the geometry only. Move the geometry outside of the group and then parent it to a locator. You can then key the locator to move around the scene whilst having your animation from the original character (e.g a walk cycle) still playing
Fantastic
Alan
Technical Director - Framestore
Currently working on: Your Highness
IMDB