Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

Set building

So your students have created their characters for their animations, now it’s time to give them a home using recycled packaging.
Image of shebox set design
© Into Film
So you’ve created your characters, now it’s time to give them a home. Using recycled packaging is an inexpensive way to build a set. Repurposing materials encourages debate, conversation and collaboration, as students are required to think about each item in a way that is separate from its original use.

As with character creation, you might find it useful to have the following materials available or encourage pupils to find the items at home.

Set building using recycled materials

  • Shoe box

  • Cardboard packaging (e.g. cereal boxes, tea bag boxes)

  • Egg cartons

  • Plastic bottles

  • Tetra packs

  • Cardboard tubes

  • Yoghurt pots or similar

  • PVA glue

  • Coloured paper/card

  • Poster paint (optional).

If students are able to work together to make a set, they should form a team and draw upon their teamworking skills very early on in the session. If remote learning is taking place, students could share photos of their progress in their set design with the rest of the group to encourage a sense of cohesion. We’ve also attached some cut-outs for your ‘Shoebox Set Design’, which contains pre-designed characters and other useful items that could be useful on your set.

Have a go at creating a set for your animation and add comments below on your ideas, intentions and any set building tips.

Please do share your ideas on our Padlet wall.

© Into Film
This article is from the free online

Filmmaking and Animation Online and in the Classroom

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now