For some reason switchmove and playmove does not work in init.
I use "Talk" waypoints for playing animations, and it always works for me.
The Talk waypoint is good, because the unit is not directed to move anywhere, which would ruin the animation. If you want a series of animations, you can use a series of talk waypoints, using the min/max second values to delay a desired period between animations (example would be to have a unit sit for awhile, then stand up and check his watch, etc.)