Group Selection Tool
As you can see, from the image below, the amount of layers in the piece (even though I've begun clearing) are still in the hundreds; an unworkable amount. I must use the 'Group Selection' tool to rid the each object I do not want to carry over into After Effects.
Because this is a PDF of the 'exploded' artwork, and not the original AI, this is harder than it sounds; selecting one element can lead to erroneously selecting other objects in its wake. A lot of care needs to be taken to ensure you do not end-up deleting something you require. I made incremental back-ups during this procedure to ensure, if that were to occur, I could return to a point before it did.
Click image to enlarge