How to apply a filter to an animated rig/character?

[Krasapan]

In short, I need to make a simple shadow effect. As for me, the simple solution would be to apply Bevel Gradient effect, it looks nice. So from what I understand, the filter cannot be applied to a symbol (please tell me WHY), it can ony be applied to a movie clip. I thought that it would be possible to animate a character rig, and then apply a filter to it.
So, are there other ways to apply a filter to an animated symbol?

[n. tilcheff · Accepted solution]

In recent versions of animate you can apply filters to keyframes.

Nest your character inside a Graphic Symbol container and apply the filter on the outside, selecting keyframes/layer in the timeline.

[Mario_CR · Accepted solution]

Here's how: https://youtu.be/d-fYNzZm2rE