A video game with highly realistic facial expressions has its place in the market. For this reason, TECH has introduced in this postgraduate diploma the most innovative techniques and tools”

Faces are, without a doubt, the main focus of attention in any production And this applies to both film and video games. Misfortunes such as the death of Paul Walker during the filming of Fast and Furious highlighted the importance of Facial Rigging. For this technique became essential in order not to get to the point of canceling the movie. This is just one extreme example of the application of this technique, which is more prevalent in the industry than you might think.

This qualification will prepare the professional for one of the most complex tasks of the rigger. Due to the diversity of systems and deformations that occur in the same area of the character. An anatomical study of the muscles and expressions will be made, we will analyze separately each of the parts of the face and we will focus on the rigging of the hair, both geometric and realistic, the latter generated through the XGen tool. 

The syllabus also includes deformation rigging and body control rigging, as a complement to facial rigging. The former will provide the animator with an accessible and intuitive Set-Up to develop character animations. While the the second will provide the characters with a skeleton that articulates and deforms their geometry. In addition, this last part will teach different methodologies to develop the system in the most logical and intuitive way. 

These contents will be available in their entirety from the first day and will be offered in a 100% online mode. In addition, the postgraduate diploma has no timetable so that students can organize it according to their own schedule and thus promote work-life balance.

A good facial representation will make your video game stand out. That's why development companies are in continuous search of Riggers with the learning that TECH provides" 

This postgraduate diploma in Advanced Facial Rigging contains the most complete and up-to-date program on the market. The most important features include: 

• The development of case studies presented by experts in Body Rigging 
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice
• Practical exercises where self-assessment can be used to improve learning
• Its special emphasis on innovative methodologies  
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments 
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection  

This qualification puts at the student's all the knowledge, techniques and tools that companies are demanding from their Riggers" 

The program includes, in its teaching staff, professionals from the sector who bring to this program the experience of their work, in addition to recognized specialists from prestigious reference societies and universities.  

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive education programmed to learn in real situations.  

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the professional must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the student will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts.    

Develop Blend Shapes systems, from modeling to configuration"

The program includes the development of customized scripts, essential in the Rigger's work"

Students who take the postgraduate diploma in Advanced Facial Rigging will be able to develop facial Rigs and connect them with the rest of the Rig elements. Anatomy and human expressions will be analyzed, different types of facial rig deformation and control systems will be introduced, Blend Shapes systems will be developed from start to finish and the different facial elements will be studied in depth. The program also includes content on body control, Python tools and body deformation to provide the graduate with a complete learning experience. 

TECH provides you with the keys to link objects through the Set Driven Key tool, as well as its functionalities"  

General objectives

• Develop Facial Rigs 
• Working on projects requiring Blend Shapes 
• Automate processes related to facial rigging 
• Understand the relationship between body deformation rigging and the bone system
• Familiarization with body control Rigging 
• Introduction to the Python programming language 

Specific objectives

Module 1. Advanced Facial Rigging

• Identify and analyze the anatomy and facial expressions of the human body
• Introduce different types of Rig facial deformation systems
• Introduce different types of facial rig control systems
• Develop Blend Shapes systems, from modeling to configuration
• Developing a rig system for jaw and tongue
• Develop an advanced lip rig system with Sticky Lips capability
• Developing eye rig and eyelid movement
• Automate facial systems
• Incorporate dynamic systems for character hair rigging
• Connecting the facial rig to the body rig

Module 2. Body Control Rigging and Tool Creation with Python

• Highly knowledgeable about the functions that a control rig has and its relevance
• Master the standard nomenclature of the elements in the industry
• Create and edit NURBS type curve elements for the creation of controls for the Rig
• Analyze the character to propose a suitable control Rig
• Configure the controls properly to facilitate the animation phase
• Conceive Constrain tools and their possibilities
• Introduce the Python programming language for tool creation in Autodesk Maya
• Develop custom Scripts for Rigging work

Module 3. Body Deformation Rigging

• Know the deformation rigging and its relevance
• To set up the bone system by studying the pose of the model
• Conceive the possible errors that can occur in deformation Rigging
• Create in a professional way a bone chain by means of Joints type elements
• Know how to correctly orient and place bones in the deformation system
• Perform a correct methodology in the painting process to understand the influences on the geometry
• Conceive how all the tools available in Autodesk Maya work for Skinning work 

Developing a good facial rig requires an in-depth anatomical study, which is why a specific topic has been reserved for this field"