Add bones to an auto lip sync sequence

fx3 · Post by **fx3** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:51 am

I've created a good talking head using the switch layer process with a number of images. All working fine. I now want to add some bones to give the character some life. It seems to this point that once the switch layer animation is generated, I can't add a bones layer that I can add bones to and animate.
As a work around I tried outputing the talking head sequence as an avi movie with alpha, that then imported as a movie I could bone and animate. Movies don't come back in with their associated alpha that I can find, so this won't work.

Thanks, casey

heyvern · Post by **heyvern** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:04 am

First off, yes, alpha channels can be brought in from rendered animations. You have to make sure you use a format or codec that supports "millions+" the "+" is the alpha channel.

However you can add bones directly to the switch layer. If the switch is IN a bone layer the bones have no effect on the sub layers of the switch. You need to put bones on the switch layer. Select the switch and the add bones tool is now active and can be used.

Keep in mind that if there are extreme changes in the shapes/positions of the switch layers the bones may not have the same influence. For instance a mouth that is straight across and flat with a bone that covers that mouth would not work the same for a mouth shape that is squinched up for the "O" shape. You would have the same problem using an imported movie as well so it might not be an issue for you.

-vern

synthsin75 · Post by **synthsin75** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:53 am

Generally, the lip-sync switch layer only contains the mouth itself. Then the head artwork and this switch layer can be put in a bone layer to handle the rest of the head animation. With the switch layer inside of the head's bone layer, it can be bound to one of those bones to control it. It can even be scaled by bone to simulate foreshortening as the head is turned.