FACS Rigging for Facial Motion Capture

Maya & Marmoset Toolbag Workflow with Madhav Shyam

Learn the complete process of building a simplified FACS-based facial rig system using Maya and discover how to constrain motion-capture data shot with the iPhone ARKit system. Madhav Shyam, Creature Supervisor at Ghost VFX, kicks off the 10-hour workshop with the theory behind the key factors that contribute to making believable character performances. From there, Madhav jumps into building an intuitive rig system that drives the FACS shapes, while also demonstrating the process of constraining mocap data. Artists will learn how to render a range of motion animation using Maya and Marmoset Toolbag, and will complete the process by transferring both the animation and the rig system over to different types of characters. 

This workshop is designed for intermediate-level artists who are looking to dive into the world of realistic facial performances. Project files are provided with this workshop, including the shapes required to build the rig system. For additional resources, artists can download the Free 3D Model Scan from 3dscanstore.com; additionally, 3dscanstore’s Gorilla Écorché 3d model is available for a small fee from their website. 

By completing this workshop, artists will have a robust understanding of facial performance and a strong foundation from which to start building character rigs.