Why, hello there. I’m Melinda Ozel, a Facial Systems Expert and consultant for all things face-related. My background originated in academia, migrated to tech, and now lives in the space between facial animation, behavioral science, and AI.

My recent work has focused on bringing AI to cinema. I served as Facial Expression Consultant on Robert Zemeckis’ Aquí (2024), the first major studio film to use real-time generative de-aging, and as Lip Sync Expert on Observa los cielos (2025), the first theatrical feature to use AI-driven visual dubbing.

Before entering the film world, I spent years at Meta as a founding member of the Quest Pro face tracking team, where I defined the data collection protocols and annotation standards that brought real-time facial expression to VR avatars. My expression tracking work at Meta secured three co-invented patents in avatar animation. On the consumer side, I advised the expressivity design of the “Care” reaction as well as the anatomical syntax behind Facebook’s entire Emoji smiley set, including Messenger and Newsfeed reactions for Emoji 3.0.

My studio and games work includes training and consulting for teams at Larian Studios, Tormenta de nieve, ILM, Netflixy Juegos épicos, where I consulted on MetaHuman facial variation and anatomical integrity. On the data and AI side, I’ve helped companies like Affectiva and Flawless AI build expression detection standards, model evaluation frameworks, and lip sync strategies from the ground up.

My expertise doesn’t end with human faces. I love working on animal facial expressions. I’ve been cited by the New York Times for my chimpanzee expression work on Apple TV’s Jane, which spanned rigging, modeling, and animation. I also built a capuchin Facial Action Coding System (capFACS) from scratch for Axis Studios on Gigi y Nate, where no prior framework existed.

If it has a face, you’re in the right place.