3D3 Montpellier : a review of two weeks rich of and intense masterclasses

2 weeks, 7 highlights 

The masterclasses that precede the school holidays have become a much awaited ritual for ESMA students. They know that during this period they will be able to delve deeper into subjects and establish special relationships with working professionals who have been invited to share their expertise and experience.

Structured in two phases, the masterclasses in March and April 2024 provided an opportunity to focus on a variety of topics, enabling students to diversify their skills and deepen their understanding in specific areas of the industry.

Eclectic subjects, for a captivated audience

During the first week, which ran from 25 to 29 March, the students attended a captivating masterclass hosted by Fiona Villate, a specialist in grooming and CFX visual effects (clothing, hair, etc.), who highlighted the tools for creating and manipulating hair and fur in 3D digital environments.

At the same time, a conference by the American studio Epic Games was also held on the Montpellier campus. This major player specialising in the development of video games and computer software, and also the owner of the famous “Unreal Engine” game engine, shared its expertise and latest advances in the field of video game development.

To complete these masterclasses and put into practice the concepts addressed, the school organised practical workshops, including sessions on the use of Unreal Engine directed by Rémi Cham, professor of C++ / Unreal Engine at ESMA and certified trainer by Epic Games. A second workshop, on motion capture, was organised within the school in the studio dedicated to this technology, hosted by Gaël Landreau, Character TD, Rigger and Animator. All these events enriched this first week of learning.

The week of 2 to 5 April was marked by a number of events :

• The students first met Lucas Ancel, a former student of the school and now Lead Animator at Fortiche, with whom they are very familiar, as he regularly leads masterclasses on acting at the school. These sessions are particularly popular with the students, who can learn from this industry professional about the techniques and tricks he uses on a daily basis to bring animated characters to life. As a former ESMA student, Lucas Ancel is well aware of the challenges faced by the students. He is always available to provide specific advice and direction to help them progress academically and professionally.

• A second masterclass, led by a compositing supervisor straight from Mathematic Studio, was an opportunity to explore in depth the advanced techniques of compositing and post-production in the animation and visual effects industry. The students received in-depth knowledge from this experienced professional, and benefited from an expert understanding of the processes and tools used in the production of visual effects. It was a unique opportunity for the 3D3s to get a real insight into post-production work in animation, preparing them to meet the complex challenges of the industry.

• Finally, a third masterclass, focusing on production management, was given by Pascal Jonquais, who teaches Production & Production Management at the school. During this session, students had the opportunity to explore the practical and strategic aspects of project management in the animation and visual effects industry. It gave them the opportunity to deepen their skills in planning, organising and coordinating creative projects, while learning to navigate the challenges and constraints of the professional world.

It was an intense fortnight, giving students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in a variety of industrial fields. These privileged moments, organised by ESMA’s teaching teams, are an opportunity for more in-depth exchanges between speakers and students, allowing the former to respond to the specific needs of each.