Santa Monica-based Image Metrics, a venture-funded developer of facial animation software, announced Tuesday that the firm has signed on a UK-based studio as a client. According to Image Metrics, Double Negative is a beta client for the firm's facial animation technology, and will use the firm's "self-service" offering to use Image Metrics' facial animation process in-house. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed. Image Metrics uses video camera capture to transfer facial expressions to CG models; the firm's "self-service" offering allows Double Negative to collect and use the data from its animation models in-house, giving the studio more control over the creative process. Image Metrics is backed by Saffron Hill Ventures.