While browsing the Steam Sale, saw this app called FaceRig:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/274920/tl;dw summary: Using a webcam and one of the included (and custom, if you can manage it) avatars, the program will map your facial motions and expressions onto the 3d avatar. Human, stylized, animal, furry, dragon, and hamburger avatars are all represented, so it seems fairly robust.
So my first thought was to use it to make well-animated head anis! Also! Briefings and cutscenes! Maybe?
The trailer video says you can import custom models, so if they're rigged properly, the app should be able to handle all the animation itself. At least as far as I could tell...