FACETS Winter Break Virtual Film Camp begins December 28 with a 3-Day crash course in Digital Animation for ages 8-12. To learn more and sign up, click  here. 

What makes a character appealing? Why are we drawn to and invested in their stories and concerned about their outcome? These questions don’t have a single answer. In film, there are many reasons certain characters grab our attention. They can be relatable, have a certain charm, or a radiant individuality that inspires us. Sometimes, we even see ourselves in them.  

The most obvious factor in making a character compelling is great acting, but that’s just one ingredient. There are many factors––writing, cinematography and of course, animation that also play a critical role in making a character truly compelling. Heading into FACETS Winter Break Virtual Film Camp, we dive deeper into the recipe for a great character. 

With digital animation, creators can easily build their own worlds and characters from scratch. It can also allow for exciting new interpretations of classic characters. For example, the unique animation styles used in Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse presented the newest version of the decades old classic character and his protégé. The distinct comic book aesthetic of the film was heralded by critics as “changing the animation game.” This breath of fresh air led to it becoming the first film made by a studio other than Disney to win the Oscar for Best Animated Film in seven years. 

At Digital Animation (December 28 – 30th, 10am- 12pm) campers ages 8-12 can safely let their creativity flow while stuck inside as they discover innovative animation tools available to artists today. Everything from hand-made drawings to simple gif animations and 3D programming will be covered by our expert media educators.  

Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse’s modern take on the iconic superhero and his pupil reflects the new generation of youth coming of age and symbolizes our rapidly changing world in more ways than one. The film’s protagonist, Miles Morales, is just like any other teenager. He likes the latest music, he wears the latest clothes and is always embarrassed by his parents. When he obtains spider-like powers and witnesses the supposed death of Peter Parker, he strives to fill Spiderman’s shoes.  

Miles’s attempt at filling this heroic role in many ways symbolizes the country’s passing of the baton to the next generation. The old school comic book animation style paired with the titular “Spiderverse” crossovers throughout the film can be seen as a tip of the hat to the long legacy of Spiderman. Miles now represents the newest stage of Spiderman, just as he represents the newest wave of U.S. teens in 2020 who will inherit the legacy of the country. 

Animation style play a key role in the formation of characters we love like the young and relatable Miles Morales. When a character is successfully presented, the viewer feels personally invested in their story, celebrating their victories, mourning their demise, and groaning at their humiliation.  

At  FACETS Digital Animation camp this winter break, students can learn filmmaking techniques to bring characters to life in a way they have always envisioned. In an era when extreme circumstances keep us separated, FACETS is proud of its ability to safely bring creative learning experiences to kids and teens with our virtual camps. 

Learn more about FACETS Digital Animation Winter Break Virtual Film Camp, running from December 28-30 and sign up here.  

Max Harris-D’Amato is the Editorial Assistant Intern at FACETS. He received a B.A. in multimedia journalism from Columbia College Chicago. In addition to both short and long form writing, he has also directed a documentary, Surfing the Rust Belt, which he personally pitched, shot video, edited and conducted the interviews for. In addition to his work with FACETS, he currently works for United Way supporting immigrants settling into school throughout the North Shore of the Boston Area.