About
Why, hello there. 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, deepfake technologies, etc.). If it has a face, you’re in the right place.
I will be open to full-time roles starting October 2024 (earlier is an option as well); so if you think we might be a good fit and would like to know more about my background in face tracking, VR, and digital characters – let’s chat!
Projects & Patents
FILM & 3D CHARACTERS
- Jane, Apple+ TV – Primate Expression Consultant (show, credited)
- Gigi & Nate – Primate Expression Consultant (film, uncredited: see article)
- Notorious B.I.G. HyperModel by Hyperreal – Expression Researcher
- Apex Legends Season Launch Trailers 7, 8, & Stories From the Outlands – “Fight Night” – Expression Consultant
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
EMOJI 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
Clients
Connecting with top brands in film, game, & tech to deliver global team training and consulting services on facial anatomy/facial expressions/FACS.