Why Lipsync Should be "Two Frames Ahead"

Cliff Nordberg

Why should your lipsync always be at least two frames ahead of the audio? Because there is a very slight time delay between our mouths making a shape, and the sound being expelled from our lips.

For your audience to be able to read the lip sync clearly you'll want to offset the jaw opening at least two frames before the audio is actually heard. 

If you have the jaw opening and closing exactly on the frame that the audio is heard, your lip sync will feel slightly "off sync", ie a little late. 

Two Frames Ahead of the Audio

The idea is that, as we speak, it takes us a little time to make a shape with our mouth, and then breathe out the air to make the sound.  Hence the mouth shape should be just slightly ahead of the audio. This might be two frames or even, in the case of a heavily emphasised vowel or consonant, six to eight frames ahead.  

Lipsync & Dialogue Resources

Lipsync from "Marmaduke"

To find more resources on animating dialogue and lipsync, follow the links below:

• Dialogue and Lipsync Tutorial
• The Secret to Animating Dialogue and Lipsync
• Speed Lipsync - How to animate lipsync fast and efficiently
• Why animators need "Head Muppeting"
• Why animators need thumbnail sketches
• How to plan out a dialogue shot

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