This course is designed to help students master the fundamental principles of facial animation, enabling them to create digital characters that feel believable, expressive, and emotionally connected to the viewer. Students will learn to use a professional workflow that covers everything from planning to final implementation in a real environment, using an efficient process. Both cartoon approaches that allow greater freedom of movement and exaggeration, as well as more realistic techniques using systems such as FACS (Facial Action Coding System) and advanced rigs like MetaHuman or Character Creator, will be addressed. The study of facial muscle anatomy is essential for achieving realistic animations, understanding the muscles that control expressions to effectively break down and recreate emotions.
Successful completion of Animation I, II, and III, with solid knowledge of animation principles, body mechanics, and character acting. Experience with 3D animation software (Maya) and familiarity with character rigs is recommended.
- Master the fundamental principles of facial animation to create believable and expressive digital characters.
- Learn and apply a professional workflow from planning to final implementation.
- Use the key tools needed for the facial animation workflow.
- Understand facial muscle anatomy and its relationship to creating realistic expressions.
- Analyze and apply the FACS (Facial Action Coding System) to break down and recreate emotions.
- Develop acting and subtext skills applied to facial animation.
- Create silent reaction animations and dialogue shots with multiple characters.
- Learn about facial capture technologies and their application in the industry.
- Introduction to Facial Expressions.
- Acting and Subtext.
- Introduction to Gesture and Reaction Shots.
- Reference Analysis.
- Facial Anatomy and Musculature.
- Workflow and Tools.
- Eye Movement Analysis in Detail.
- Animating Eyebrows and Eyelids.
- Connecting Facial Regions for Appeal.
- Lip Sync and Mouth Shapes.
- FACS (Facial Action Coding System).
- Facial Capture Technologies (e.g., Live Link Face App).
- Cartoon vs. Realistic Facial Animation.
- FACS-Based Facial Rigs: MetaHuman, Character Creator.
At the beginning of each class, the corresponding concepts and theory will be explained, where the instructor will introduce the basic concepts of the topic and contextualize the student in methods and strategies for applying them in their practical work. During class, students will analyze videos and reference animations, participating in dynamic feedback sessions. Non-evaluated practical exercises will be conducted throughout the course to support skill development. Students will develop two main projects with mandatory partial submissions (planning/blocking and final animation). An evaluated exam on facial anatomy and musculature will be conducted.
The primary methodologies include:
MD 0: Master Class with the support of audiovisual material.
MD 1: Problem-solving and exercise classes.
MD 4: Seminar.
MD 7: Flipped Classroom.
Evaluation is based on the following weighted criteria:
- Project 1: Reaction Shot (Planning/Blocking + Final Animation): 30%
- Project 2: Advanced Acting Shot / Dialogue Shot (Planning/Blocking + Final Animation): 40%
- Facial Anatomy and Musculature Exam: 20%
- Attitude and Participation: 10%
- Total: 100%
Each main project has two mandatory submissions as part of the development process. The practical exercises conducted in class are not evaluated but are essential for skill development.
- Quality of facial animation in the Reaction Shot: clarity of internal thought, visible emotional change, technical execution.
- Quality of animation in the Advanced Acting Shot: narrative, multi-character performance, integration of close-ups and medium shots.
- Accuracy in applying facial animation principles and FACS.
- Correct understanding and application of facial muscle anatomy in projects and the exam.
- Proper use of professional workflow (planning, blocking, refinement).
- Originality and creativity in narrative and performance.
- Active participation in feedback sessions and compliance with submission deadlines.
Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1978). Facial Action Coding System: Manual. Consulting Psychologists Press.
Hooks, E. (2011). Acting for Animators (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Williams, R. (2009). The Animator's Survival Kit (Revised ed.). Faber & Faber.
Thomas, F., & Johnston, O. (1995). The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation (Revised ed.). Hyperion.
Online resources:
Live Link Face App (documentation and tutorials)
MetaHuman documentation (Unreal Engine)
Character Creator documentation
Recommended facial rigs: MetaHuman, Character Creator.
Audiovisual material: analysis of animated films and facial acting references.