AU5 Archives

Stylized Facial Expression Design

October 11, 2022 by Melinda Ozel

Many facial movements look similar but differ in core ways. When we read faces, we rely on subtle differences to interpret expressions and their meaning. Because your audience will be likening your character’s facial expressions to what they already know and have experienced, you want your character to be readable – to be relatable.

ARKit to FACS: Blendshape Cheat Sheet

February 19, 2026May 1, 2022 by Melinda Ozel

If you or your team are using open-source face tracking kits, figuring out what’s what can be challenging. Navigate the ambiguity with the FACS Translation Sheet!

Upper Lid Raiser (AU5) Deep Dive

October 25, 2026June 27, 2021 by Melinda Ozel

Upper lid raiser (AU5): how the levator palpebrae superioris lifts the upper eyelid, widens the eyes and shows more sclera. For animators and riggers.

"Melinda Ozel's resources on face anatomy, motion, and FACS are industry standard. During my time working on The Last of Us Part II (and other unannounced Playstation titles) I referred to it almost exclusively on a regular basis. The free material is great but the pay material is worth the cost."
Eric Drobile | Technical Animator

"For most people learning traditional FACS is not feasible. It requires very costly specialized degrees and years long commitment. And the half century old research with fuzzy photos was not made for artists. What Melinda has done for our industry is take the dense scientific information and streamlined it into very easy to digest entries and videos catered to artists."
Paul Liaw | Principal Character Artist

"I've been working as a Facial Blendshape Artist across film and gaming and have watched the quality of my work improve exponentially since I've had access to this wealth of knowledge that Melinda has so thoughtfully put together. Her documentation is clear, appealing, and comprehensive. If Paul Ekman is the father of FACS, Melinda has become the cool aunt."
Ioana Alexandra Pirvu | Lead Artist: Blendshapes @ Rockstar Games

"Face the FACS in my opinion is bar-none, the best resource out there for any artist and company dealing with facial animation. The way in which Melinda delivers knowledge is detailed, but fun and compelling enough to make you want to keep learning. For a topic that could have easily been boring, she inspired me to keep learning."
Giovanni Nakpil | Senior Creative 3D Evangelist @ Adobe

"If you're doing AU's (action units), this is the site you're going to need to bookmark. Melinda has gone above and beyond to create what I feel is the ultimate resource guide for AU's. Each AU explained, annotated and demonstrated with extreme clarity. You'll experience plenty of "aha!!" moments using Melinda's work as your guide!"
Frank Gravatt | Facial Modeler @ Cloud Chamber

Designed for studios and teams

Let's talk.