For anyone who wants to do an "Expression Sheet" for a TWO character, here's some actions to get started. Just drop them onto any character. Actions were done by Steve.

bump. For any expressions you might be needing.

Ken, is that on SVN?

Drop all the expressions onto half a dozen characters, render them, comp their heads into a single image, and I'll send it to 3D World, (they want more pictures right now).

Actually, they are....I just looked:

data\Shared Data\Actions\facial expresions actions

I'll get that image to you in a few hours.

Here's a reference image for these actions. You may need to update them first as I've altered a few. All the actions went across to all these characters without a hitch.

What a great idea!

Nice!

We do need to get in the habit of rendering out images like these (character shots) with Alpha Channels.
Then the compositing onto character sheets, articles, whatever... will go a lot easier.

I will try to do some myself.

It seems a character needs some kind of preparation to be compatible with these actions. How can I rig up a character once so that all these cool poses become options?

My suggestion would be to devote considerable effort to the art of character rigging.
In other words, at least for awhile, specialize and focus on rigging.

It might be good to study fairly simple rigs such as the 2001 rig that have a lot of documentation.

But that really isn't the whole issue here.
In order to use the same expressions as those a few posts above this you'd first have to have access to those poses. Then you'd have to have a character with the same (or very similar) rig installed. In this case its not the 2001 rig but rather the Squetch Rig which was used extensively in the film 'Tin Woodman of Oz'.

Regardless of which rig you use its generally a good idea to stick with one as long as it makes good practical sense. For example, if you are producing a movie or short film DON'T switch rigs unless you have very good reason to do it. When you do you may lose the ability to use earlier actions/animations.

An exception would be where you have multiple rigs for the same character.
This might be used where one rig meets very specific goals in animation. Once that goal is met with minimal effort a more complex rig can be developed for more complex tasks.

For more information explore your options in the Rigging and Relationships forum.
Three you'll find lots of great information on the 2001 rig, Squetch Rig, the Setup Machine v2 etc.

If rigging sounds complicated don't despair. Rigging is as simple or as complex as you are willing to make it. Approach the challenge little by little every day and before you know it... you'll be there.

A good way to test yourself to see if you are up to the challenge is to jump in and rig a character.
The best way to get started... Exercise 13 in TaoA:M!
For those not familar with rigging get your introduction to rigging with Exercise 9 .