The answer to this question is slightly complicated. Analyzer, without AutoTrack, relies on the accuracy of the training frames created to perform its tracking functions as smoothly and accurately as possible. Adding ink markers to the face does not inherently increase tracking accuracy, but markers can be added in such a way as to aid the user in creating the training frames. Placing the markers in the same positions as Analyzer landmarks are laid out while tracking in the software can help the Analyzer user place the landmarks in the correct spot on each and every training frame they create, leading to faster training frame creation and more accurate tracking overall. When creating the training frames, the user can see exactly where each landmark should go and can use the ink markers to place the landmarks quickly while still maintaining the consistency needed for accurate tracking.

We have found from our direct experience and feedback from our Analyzer service providers that users can start to track a shot in a few days, but plan on about a week to get new artists completely up to “Production speed.”

The answer really depends on a related question: 'How many unique shapes does my actor make in this shot?' Analyzer requires a training frame on each unique shape, but does not need frames for the same shapes. A 1000 frame shot where the actor isn't doing much of anything will likely require only a few, whereas a 60 frame shot where the actor is screaming or shaking their head around will often require many more. As you go through the shot and make training frames, start with the minimum you think are necessary, then train and track the shot. Add more to problem areas until the tracking landmarks follow the actor's performance.

The time depends on the complexity of the motion in the facial performance and the skill of the user. As shot length increases, however, the user will have to create fewer training frames as shapes are repeated, so long shots take less relative time than short ones. Additionally, our Studio Plus version allows for sharing training frames between jobs to prevent from having to start from scratch each time.

Essentially, our Studio Plus version for Analyzer allow for higher efficiency use of our software. With Analyzer, your artists can build and export “Tracking Models” specific to an actors face, which allow each subsequent shot to track quicker. In addition, Studio Plus versions allow for batch processing capabilities that provides an infrastructure to quickly process hundreds (even thousands) of lines of dialogue for larger projects. Essentially, you can train the software on specific actors face to apply quick tracking to large collections of data, dramatically reducing your animation time. Studio Plus has an entire library of API commands to create fully automated workflows, most users script in Python.

Lastly, the Analyzer Studio Plus version has the option to go offline and not require a connection to the internet.

Users also can combine Studio and Studio Plus versions, and know that you can always upgrade at any time and only pay the difference in cost. A trial of our software is really the best way to compare features and see which products will work for you.

We recommend a minimum 720p image for high-quality results, however it's worth noting we do not recommend 4K image files to achieve photoreal results as they add unnecessary processing time without adding to the emotion analysis. Analyzer does support all standard video resolutions and aspect ratios. Non-standard video resolutions (e.g. 720x496 vs. 720x486) may result in odd behavior in the application. If you experience trouble using a non-standard resolution we recommend re-exporting your video to a standard aspect ratio and size.

Click “Login/ Register” to register for a trial of any of our software products (typically on the top of each page).

The trial version of Analyzer is functionally equivalent to a Studio Plus license and is fully featured, including access to sharing tracking models and command-line access, but does require an internet connection whenever the software is launched. The trial will begin upon installation and will expire automatically after 30 days.

If you need a trial that does not require a connection to the internet, let us know.

For Realtime tracking with Live, balancing processing requirements for tracking and streaming performance data while maintaining a consistent frame rate is of utmost importance. Live lacks some of the under-the-hood advanced analysis that Analyzer can provide, such as texture tracking, to maintain this balance. Analyzer, as a non-realtime solution, has no limitations as far as frame rate is concerned and can add additional layers of data into the resulting performance file.

From a technical standpoint Faceware can work with any type of rig. Joints, blendshapes, and all custom deformers can be driven and animated by our software as long as they can be keyframed. However, from a creative and artistic standpoint the layout and setup of animation controllers can have a large impact on the quality of animation that can be produced with Faceware.

Rigging Best Practices

Essentially, our Studio Plus version of Retargeter allow for higher efficiency use of our software. With Studio Plus, our artists have access to export and share their Pose Libraries. In addition, Studio Plus versions allow for batch processing capabilities that provides an infrastructure to quickly process hundreds (even thousands) of lines of dialogue for larger projects; Retargeter has an entire library of API commands to create fully automated workflows, most users script in Python.

The poses that you create in Retargeter correspond to the shapes that your actor is making during their performance. Retargeter requires at least two poses in a group to perform its calculations, but the full number required to finish a shot will vary depending on the length of the shot and how much variety there is in the actor's expressions during their performance. We recommend starting with a few basic poses using the “Get Auto-Poses” feature, then retargeting and viewing the results. Add more poses where the animation is lacking and eventually you will work up to a completed animation without wasting time creating too many unnecessary poses.

The benefit of using additional face groups is that you will have specific control over those areas separate from the standard groups (eyes, brows, mouth). Some users prefer to animate the jaw separately from the rest of the mouth, for example, but the majority of our users at all levels work with the standard three groups and get excellent animation. It is also worth noting that tracking the additional groups in Analyzer is required and can add extra work, so that is an overall workflow consideration.

We have found from our direct experience and feedback from our Retargeter service providers that users can start to animate a shot in a few days, even something moving in a few hours, but plan on about a week to get new artists completely up to “Production speed.”

We generally support the same versions of Maya, 3DS Max, and MotionBuilder that Autodesk maintains support on-- most commonly is the previous 4 years of releases. We currently support the 2015-2019 versions of each package.

Click “Login/ Register” to register for a trial of any of our software products (typically on the top of each page)., The trial version of Retargeter is functionally equivalent to a Studio Plus license and is fully featured, including access to sharing pose libraries and command-line access. The trial will begin upon installation and will expire automatically after 30 days.

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