Frédéric Plu

Could you describe your role at Blue Spirit Studio in Angoulême?

Hello, as a computer graphics designer, my main job is that of ‘lighteur compositeur’. In practical terms, this involves setting up lighting in 3D scenes, launching renders and recomposing the image to improve its quality. My work takes place just before the editing stage, specifically during rendering. My work encompasses lighting manipulation, colour management and the creation of lighting effects to ensure visual harmony in the final render. A crucial aspect of my job is to ensure that the final result meets the client’s expectations. Overall, it’s a meticulous process focused on perfecting the details, ensuring that the images and footage are ready to be integrated into the final edit.

My work focuses on lighting, which involves managing the play of light and the orientation of spotlights during the shoot. At the same time, I’m in charge of launching the renders, making sure that the calculation process on the computers is optimised to obtain sharp images in the shortest possible time. As a final step, I recover, assemble and perfect the images to ensure a high-quality final result.

How did you set out on your career path and what made you choose this career?

My natural penchant for sharing stories and conveying emotions has been the main driving force behind my career path. Convinced that actions are better than words, I found that creating images was the most evocative way of expressing myself. Ever since I was a child watching cartoons, the idea of creating such works as an adult has always been a dream come true for me.

Before ESMA, I studied computer science at the IUT, acquiring programming skills. Following on from the ESMA course, I then worked for a year in Vancouver, contributing to major American film projects, including Star Wars and Transformers. Despite the intensity of the work, it was a formative experience, broadening my knowledge. Living on my own abroad proved rewarding, helping me to expand my professional network in the film industry.

Two months after my return to France, I landed a job thanks to my ESMA diploma. The company I work for was specifically looking for professionals with skills in the software I had learnt during my studies.

What skills are essential to excel in this field?

There are two distinct aspects to this profession. On the one hand, the artistic aspect requires a keen eye for detail, because you have to anticipate what will appeal to the public, which implies a certain artistic sensitivity. On the other hand, the technical aspect plays a predominant role, requiring great rigour and an aptitude for teamwork. This technical dimension also requires a methodical approach to guarantee the quality of the transmission of the project. On a medium-sized project, around thirty people may be involved, underlining the importance of collaboration and cleanliness in the work.

What do you find most satisfying about your job at the moment?

The variety of daily tasks and the absence of routine are what give me the greatest satisfaction in my current job. Every day we are faced with new and stimulating challenges, which makes this job particularly exciting. What’s more, the quality of the company’s premises and the close working relationship between colleagues create a working environment that is conducive to creativity and productivity.

Customers are always asking for things to be done more quickly, more attractively and more cheaply, but I draw strength from that. I like to optimise and constantly surpass myself. Integrating new technologies into our projects is a daily challenge that makes the work stimulating and motivates me to go further and further.

Why did you choose ESMA rather than another school?

Even before I graduated from the IUT in computer science, I took the time to find out what the different schools had to offer. During my research, the videos published by ESMA regularly caught my attention. The impressive quality of these videos played a decisive role in my choice, especially as I wanted to specialise in 3D. When I noticed that most of the graduation videos were from ESMA, my decision was naturally made in favour of this school.

Would you have any advice for people who want to get into animation?

In the field in which I work, personal investment always pays off. It’s a bit like the old adage “it’s worth the effort”. Even if at times the path can seem full of pitfalls, working in a profession that you’re passionate about is in itself the greatest reward.