Facial expressions without full animation?

[shivachristy]

if I have 2 models with 1000 polys and then move them about a bit like a head not smiling then a head smiling (keeping the same count). Can I effectively transition between the 2 programmitically with Shiva?

Can I do facial expressions without full animation?

[giggsy]

I'd say the way to go is either still with skeletal animation or try using morphing ... but for both, I'd let the head be it's own model (if that's not the case).

[freezer]

I don't think so...

here's some intro's to face rigs...

http://cgcookie.com/blender/2009/11/16/creating-a-face-rig/
http://cgcookie.com/blender/2011/03/16/creating-an-advanced-face-rig-part-one/