The Howdy Glossary

The Face Modeling Language (FML) is a scripting language developed by Viewpoint DataLabs to generate facial animations in 3D projects. FML enables standardized representations of facial expressions and movements, allowing animators to define how a character's face deforms during speech, emotive actions, and various expressions. This consistency facilitates the seamless transfer of facial animations across different platforms and software applications, streamlining the animation development process by reducing the need for manual reworking.

FML stands out for its focus on standardized representation and transferability of facial animations, distinguishing it from other tools like FaceFX and Facerig. While FaceFX emphasizes real-time performance with features such as automated lip-syncing and advanced expression generation, Facerig specializes in real-time facial tracking and animation through webcam input. These competitors serve distinct needs within the realm of facial animation, with FaceFX prioritizing real-time capabilities, Facerig enabling interactive character expressions, and FML ensuring consistent representation across diverse platforms.

This standardized approach not only enhances workflow efficiency but also eliminates the need for manual reworking when transferring animations between different 3D modeling programs. By offering a consistent method for defining how facial geometry deforms during various actions across platforms, FML caters to animators seeking to ensure compatibility between diverse software applications while maintaining quality in their animations. Consequently, animators can save time and effort in the production pipeline by using FML to create high-quality facial animations that are easily transferable.