help!

I was looking trough the tags but I couldn't find what I'm looking for. Hopefuly some one can help me :)

I'm trying to learn how to make this type of animation:


icons by ohzombies  & mattchbox 


You know, how to cut EVERYTHING around the guys. I've been trying for hours but I can't do it. I'm using Photoshop CS5.

And just in case, this is one of the gifs I'm trying to put into an icon.

Thanks in advance.