Character animation pipeline · Specialist
Key pose
ELI5
A major pose defining an action, expression or performance beat.
Used in conversation
“The key pose needs a clear reference before the team starts final work.”
Pitch context
You may encounter “Key pose” in vfx, virtual production & animation conversations or materials.
Why it matters: Explains image creation that extends beyond straightforward live-action photography.
Connected terms
- Animation blockingBlocking is the early pass establishing poses and timing; key poses are the important poses used within that pass and later animation.
- Breakdown poseComputed from definition language and shared taxonomy. This indicates proximity, not synonymy.
Sources & evidence · 6
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / ACES — ACES Glossary and User GuidesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Pixar Animation Studios — Universal Scene Description DocumentationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Pixar Animation Studios — RenderMan DocumentationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX OverviewSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX Best PracticesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Online Learning Glossary and Job ProfilesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14