3D Animation & FX Training - 2nd Year Professional Training

Duration and location

1 year full-time classroom training

Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse
Prerequisite and access conditions

One year of higher education in a related field (such as entertainment studies)

Courses taught in English: minimum level B2

See Admission and fees
ECTS credits

60 credits (30 credit per semester)
assessment

Continuous assessment (interdisciplinary preparatory courses and panels)

Learning and Assessment Situations (SAE) validating the cross-disciplinary skills acquired at the end of each semester in situations similar to those encountered in a professional context.
Fees

See Admission and fees

Year 2

3D Animation & Special Effects Professional Cycle

The program is structured into teaching units that award ECTS credits (30 ECTS credits per semester).

The 5-year 3D Animation & Special Effects program in France combines creativity with hands-on experience to give you a complete understanding of the 3D animation ecosystem. This course is designed to help you build a strong foundation, explore different techniques, and develop the professional skills you need for a successful career.

What does the first year involve?

What if you could shape the world
in your own image?

The world is constantly changing. And so are you.

That’s why we help our students develop a sharp eye and insatiable curiosity to learn how to represent it as faithfully as possible. At ESMA, we give you the keys to doing just that.

Throughout the year, you’ll learn the basics of the entire production process for 3D Animation and FX.

Between theory and practical case studies, you will develop a thorough command of the tools and skills you need to achieve finer, more accurate representations.

Discover the associated professions

Objectives

Learn to use 3D computer tools and software.
Master drawing basics like shapes and volumes.
Sharpen your observation skills to create more accurate and refined work.
Develop effective work processes and a research-based approach.
Enhance your understanding of perspectives, framing, lighting, and composition.
Practice modeling environments, objects, and sets, along with image processing.

Our teachings

Design

Explore concepts such as volume, the study of colour, light, textures, materials, movement, proportions and perspective.
Illustration

Work on the composition of the image, the sense of framing and narration, while diversifying and experimenting with styles of representation in order to express an intention.
Image analysis

Sharpen your eye to learn how to better interpret (and therefore transmit) the techniques that carry the message.
Visual arts

Analytical work on art history to explore the different artistic movements (sculpture, painting, cinema, photography, etc.)
English

Students learn more about the artistic and technical language required for the various 3D professions.
Modelling

Learn the different ways of creating 3D geometry (Maya), whether surface art (architecture for scenery, ships, etc.) or organic (characters).
Lighting / Rendu

Lighting techniques, creation of different maps to add textures to characters and sets.
3D animation

Study of 3D animation techniques: mastery of the concepts of timing trajectories and spacing, analysis of human body mechanics, etc.
2D digital processing

Master the fundamentals of processing and retouching still images and creating textures.

Year 2 - Teaching units

Semester 3 - 30 ECTS
UE1 – Visual Narrative: Translating a narrative proposal through images (8 ECTS)
- Drawing
- Illustration
UE2 – Methodology: Applying documentary research and image analysis methodologies (6 ECTS)
- Visual Arts
- English – (PPE) Student Professional Project
- Image Analysis
UE3 – 3D Design: Introduction to 3D design techniques (12 ECTS)
- Modeling
- Digital Techniques
- 3D Animation
- Lighting
UE4 – SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) Portfolio and Intention File (4 ECTS)
Semester 4 - 30 ECTS
UE1 – Visual Narrative: Translating a Narrative Proposal into Images (8 ECTS)
- Drawing
- Illustration
UE2 – Methodology: Applying Documentary Research and Image Analysis Methodologies (6 ECTS)
- Visual Arts
- English – (PPE) Student Professional Project
- Image Analysis
UE3 – 3D Design: Introduction to 3D design techniques (12 ECTS)
- Modeling
- Digital Techniques
- 3D Animation
- Lighting
UE4 – SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) 3D Animation EF; Image Production; and PPE Student Professional Project (10 ECTS)