Can't Get Body Independent of Head

[Martinnel]

I see this conversation repeatedly, but haven't found an answer that solves my problem. I will happily be pointed to an existing thread or tutorial.

I've got a Head Folder and a Body folder inside a +Character folder. I've checked and the Body layer is tagged to the Body tag in Properties (I've tried this by tagging the Body layer, the Body folder and both layer and folder tagged and with neither all with the same results). I've highlighted the Body folder in the Puppet window and pinned it along the bottom. But still the body moves with the head. What might I be doing wrong?

I'm happy to provide additional information. I've attached a frame grab of my puppet structure.

Martin

[oksamurai]

If both the body and head groups are independent (crown icon), they should both move together. If one or both are independent, they'll get separated. If you didn't want the body to move at all I'd just make the Head group independent and call it a day.

[Martinnel]

Dave,

Not sure if I followed that.

oksamurai  wrote

If both the body and head groups are independent (crown icon), they should both move together. If one or both are independent, they'll get separated.

You gave 'both independent' as options for both 'move together' and 'get separated.' How does that work?

Martin

[oksamurai]

Sorry, must not have had my coffee before writing this. I meant if they both don't have the crown - so like Chloe is set up, Head and Body groups without crowns -they should both move together, as one "mesh." When you make something independent, it moves on its own. General advice is to NOT make stuff independent unless you a) want it to move by itself or b) want it to stop warping or getting pulled around.

[zandwacht · Accepted solution]

Perhaps I can put it another way Martinnel​: with traditional AfterEffects animation, the head would follow the body rig. For example: you rotate the body controller so the neck bone moves, in turn moving the head.

Character Animator works the other way around (somebody correct me if I'm wrong): the body is supposed to follow the head, because you "steer" the head with your webcam. If you pin the feet, almost the entire upper body will move a little when the head moves. If you pin the chest, the motion will be a lot less.