Decode the anatomy of facial expression.
A visual, anatomy-based approach to understanding facial motion through the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). Used by animators, modelers, riggers, and researchers at ILM, Netflix, Blizzard, Meta, and Epic Games.
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Connecting with top brands in film, game, and tech to deliver global team training and consulting services on all things face-related.
Press Coverage & Academic Citations
Resources Beyond the Courses
If you’re just getting started, there’s plenty to explore here. Topics range from facial muscle variation to animating eyes in smiles and visualizing phonemes for lip sync .
Searching for better action unit examples for FACS (Facial Action Coding System)? Explore FACS references and beyond!
Need visual examples of key viseme lip shapes? Check out the Viseme Reference Sheet with corresponding phonemes and more.
Having trouble translating ARKit facial blendshapes into FACS? Look no further than the ARKit to FACS Blendshape Sheet.
Starting up a facial capture system? Here’s a list of quick tips on how to optimize your protocol.
Toiling with the idea of dropping $350 to learn FACS? While the Manual is a foundational resource, it’s not for everyone. Find out if the FACS Manual is right for you.
Looking for aesthetic facial anatomy diagrams, copyright-free references, or downloadable resources? Check out these forgotten anatomy gems.
Want to get more nuance and articulation control from your characters? Read about the importance of asymmetry for bilabial phonemes and their corresponding viseme shapes.
Are Duchenne smiles as reliable as once thought? Let’s revisit the research around “genuine” vs. posed smiles.
Did you know we don’t always close our lips for /p/’s, /b/’s, and /m/’s? Uncover the reality of viseme variability in speech production, and learn how to embrace it.
Curious about the influence of facial expressions on skin depth? Learn how facial muscle contractions influence forms on the forehead.
An emotional reference library of authentic moments including (but not limited to) crying, laughing, and talking.
A deep dive guide into FACS action units covering anatomical variation and FACS criticisms.
An expanded dissection of ARKit’s facial blendshapes, how they relate to FACS actions, and tips on shape splits.
About Me
Hi! I’m Melinda, a consultant and educator on all things face-related. I specialize in facial expressions, FACS (Facial Action Coding System), and facial anatomy. My background in faces originated in academia, migrated to tech, and now lives in the space between art, science, and technology.
I apply my expression expertise to a range of industries (film, game, tech, etc.) and products/media (Emoji, AR/VR face tracking, AAA game characters, photoreal animals, AI, deepfake technologies, etc.). If it has a face, you’re in the right place.
Explore my multidisciplinary project history below.
Film & 3D Characters
- Here – AI Facial Expression Consultant with Metaphysic (film, credited)
- Watch the Skies – AI-based Lipsync Expert (film, credited)
- Jane, Apple+ TV – Primate Expression Consultant (show, credited)
- Gigi & Nate – Primate Expression Consultant (film, uncredited)
- Notorious B.I.G. HyperModel by Hyperreal – Expression Researcher
VR & Face Tracking Tech
- Meta Quest Pro, face tracking – Expression Researcher & Expression Data Specialist
- System and method for applying an expression to an avatar (patent 10970907) – Co-inventor
- Systems and methods for improving animation of computer-generated avatars (patent 11270487) – Co-inventor
- Systems and methods for improving animation of computer-generated avatars (patent 11468616) – Co-inventor
- Oculus LipSync – Expression Researcher
Product Design
- Facebook Care reaction – Emoji Expression Consultant
- Facebook Emoji Sets – Emoji Expression Consultant
- Facebook Newsfeed Reactions – Emoji Expression Consultant
- Facebook Feeling/Activity – Emoji Expression Consultant