create animation like seen in Lord of the Rings or StarWars.
you'll need more than maya for that.., a team of 100 people would help.., a couple of super computers and a few more apps like After Effects, motion bulider, photoshop, Vue, boujou, .., and a few years of practise.., at least 10 might do it. but I admire your ambition.., aim high i say
oh, yes, I think maya might be just the ticket for you.., if PLE does batch render you will have a huge water mark acrosss the animation decaring it; well last I looked it was ALIAS but now.., who knows (bit of a pun).
you do realise you will need a compositor (after effects) and an editing suite like premier, avid or final cut?? maya by itself will not be enough to make any movie.., or anything with more then one take or cut.
good luck.., you have a steep learning curve ahead and it should be great fun.
sounds like it would be worth trying to get a work placement in an animation studio.., see if you can get your foot in the goor and work or free cleaning up or something.., they wont want to teach you in the beginning because they are so busy.., but think anout it and you might work something out.., thats your quickest way to making 'star wars.'
hope i didnt deter you, it is not as complcated as I make it sound.., but you should be aware of this.
take it easy and life will be easy