Modify the head animation

In the following procedure, you use another layer to improve the animation by making Mia turn her head as she runs, when she stops, and again just before she turns around.

1. Go to frame 24.

   At this frame, Mia’s head is pointed straight ahead in the direction she is running. You need to modify the motion so that Mia turns her head.

   

   Mia at frame 24

2. In the Key Controls window, select New Layer from the Layer menu (A) to create a layer to modify the head animation.
   

   Key Controls window A. Layer menu > New Layer option

   A layer called “AnimLayer2” is added.

3. In the Character Controls window, select the head effector (A), and switch to Body Part keying mode (B).
   

   Character Controls window A. Head effector selected B. Body Part keying mode selected

   You can use Body Part keying mode as you create animation on this layer, since you only need to set keyframes on the head, not the entire body.

4. In the Key Controls, click Zero to set a zero keyframe (A).
   

   Key Controls A. Zero keyframe button

5. Go to frame 120 and set another Zero keyframe.
   

   Frame 120A. Zero keyframe button

6. Go to frame 48 and do the following:
   • With the Head effector still selected, activate Rotation mode (click in the Viewer window and press R).
   • Change the Rotation XYZ properties at the bottom of the Viewer window to 35, 0, 2 (A).
   • Set a keyframe (B).
     

     Frame 48 A. Rotation XYZ values set B. Key button

7. Go to frame 72 and do the following:
   • Set the Rotation XYZ values to 42, 0, -5 (A).
   • Set a keyframe (B).
     

     Frame 72 A. Rotation XYZ values set B. Key button

8. Go to frame 84 and do the following:
   • Set the Rotation XYZ values to 30, -5, 0 (A).
   • Set a keyframe (B).
     

     Frame 84 A. Rotation XYZ values set B. Key button

9. Deselect the Head effector, and play your animation.

   Mia’s head turns as she runs.