back

Grand Jury ESMA 3D 2024 : trois jours d’émotions et de créativité

School . 13 Nov. 2024

Cycle Pro Animation 3D & Effets Spéciaux

In September 2024, students in their final year of 3D Animation experienced a key moment in their career. After four years of intense work, the class of 2024 in 3D Animation and Special Effects unveiled their graduation films at the ESMA Graduation Show 2024. This three-day event, held in Montpellier, brought together 3D4 students, their friends and family, industry professionals and teaching staff, to celebrate the culmination of their studies and their transition to the professional world. Here’s a look back at the highlights of the event, which revealed new talent and marked the end of a journey rich in creativity and learning.

A landmark event for an exceptional graduating class

After four years of rigorous apprenticeship, ESMA students have finally revealed their graduation films, the fruit of a year’s hard work. This crucial moment represents the culmination of their course: every aspect, from script to post-production, has been meticulously crafted to deliver unique and technically remarkable works. Classes from the Nantes, Lyon and Toulouse campuses joined the Montpellier campus to transform the Mediterranean city into a stage for celebrating their talent. The event is a testament not only to the excellence of their training, but also to the passion that drives these young designers.

Day one: studios take centre stage

The ESMA Graduation Show 2024 began with a special day reserved for industry professionals. The Montpellier campus welcomed representatives from world-renowned animation and special effects studios, who came to have an exclusive look at the 32 student films. This exceptional jury, made up of leading names in the industry, carefully examined each project, evaluating script, originality, creativity and technical quality.

Among the studios present were leaders such as Illumination, Netflix, Ubisoft, Fortiche, The Yard VFX, and DNEG, to name but a few.

The judging of the films began on the first day, with each work being scrutinised from different angles, from technical mastery to narrative innovation. This direct encounter with the professional world is one of ESMA’s pillars: enabling students to be spotted by the major players in animation and visual effects.

Day two: intense emotions on the big screen

The second day of the Graduation Show was undoubtedly the most memorable for the students. In the magnificent rooms of the Gaumont Odysséum cinema in Montpellier, which had been specially reserved for the occasion, their films were projected onto the big screen, giving them a memorable experience. Four complete cinemas hosted this exclusive screening, allowing the students to share their creations with their friends and family in a prestigious setting. For many, seeing their work displayed in a real cinema represents the culmination of years of hard work.

The day ended with a festive gala evening, where the students celebrated the end of their course together. After the deliberations, the prize-giving ceremony rewarded the most remarkable works:

1st Prize: Trash (@trash_esma)
2nd Prize: Reven (@reven_shortmovie)
Joint 3rd prize: Sleeping with the Fishes (@sleepingwiththefishes_movie) and Cartagene (@cartagene.movie)
Jury’s Favourite: Tricot de Corps (@tricotdecorps_shortmovie) and Dawn (@dawn_short_movie)
Audience favourite: Le Meles (@le_meles_movie)

These awards celebrated films from diverse and daring worlds, testifying to the abundant creativity of this year’s crop. The emotion was intense for the winners and their teams, who were able to savour the recognition of their efforts, crowned in the most beautiful way possible.

Day three: the Job Fair, a springboard to the future

The final day of the event was dedicated to the Job Fair, a strategic moment for young graduates. This day gave ESMA talent the chance to meet recruiters from the biggest animation and special effects studios.

A system of appointments organised via a dedicated platform enabled interviews to take place throughout the day. These meetings gave students the opportunity to present their portfolios and CVs, to obtain constructive feedback and to begin their entry into the professional world.

This Job Fair represents a real springboard for many graduates, opening the door to valuable contacts and decisive opportunities to launch their careers.

A big well done to the class of 2024

ESMA’s Graduation Show 2024 was a resounding success, revealing students brimming with creativity and endowed with exceptional technical mastery – qualities that are essential to stand out in the world of 3D animation and special effects.

ESMA extends its warmest congratulations to the entire 3D 2024 class for their commitment and the remarkable quality of the films presented. We wish them a promising career, convinced that they will leave a lasting mark on the world of animation and special effects.

We look forward to following their future successes!