python, 3dsmax has the mentioned Py3dsMax, and maya supports it native, and it is a good starter language, and can even be used for web development since most servers also have python.
if your studio is a max house and you want to change positions within the studio, go max script and later C#. Otherwise, Python is the way to go. Using python for max rigs which wander around your production pipeline doesn't seem to be a very clever idea.
I'd also recommend Python, there is Py3dsMax for Max, though I'm not sure how widely used it is. Check out The Programming/Scripting MASTER THREAD for some links to get you started.
Wow, thanks guys. I didn't expect there to be such a clear answer here. I certainly heard of Python, and knew Maya supported it now. I'm defiantly going to look into it, but please keep the suggestions coming.