ESMA alumni shine in the credits of Vaiana 2!
News . 10 Dec. 2024
Launching on the big screen on 27 November, Vaiana 2 is already proving to be a must-see movie this year. Behind the magic of its spectacular animation and its touching characters lie former ESMA students. Among them are Élise Carret and François Briantais, two talents who are making their dream come true by taking part in this prestigious project. Their career path, a true reflection of ESMA’s success in the world of international animation, deserves a spotlight. Let’s take a look at their contribution to this ambitious masterpiece.
A worldwide triumph for the first chapter
When it was released in 2016, Vaiana, The Legend at the End of the World captivated audiences with its thrilling adventure and breathtaking visuals. With 5.6 million admissions in France and $643 million in worldwide takings, the film established itself as a truly global phenomenon. The richness of its universe and Disney’s magical signature have left an indelible mark on the history of animation.
Given all this enthusiasm, expectations for Vaiana 2 were immense. In fact, the recent trailer unleashed a tidal wave of enthusiasm, recording an impressive 178 million views in 24 hours. This is clear proof of the public’s impatience to see the heroine and her enchanting world again.
© The Walt Disney Company
From Disney+ series to the big screen: an unexpected metamorphosis
Vaiana 2 was originally planned as an exclusive Disney+ series for the small screen. But the project quickly took an unexpected turn. ‘What was supposed to be a series made at Disney’s Vancouver studio suddenly became a film for the cinema, a totally unprecedented transformation!’ explains Élise Carret, former ESMA student and character animator on this feature film.
This major change opened the door to much more ambitious technical and human resources. ‘Another incredible surprise was that the Los Angeles teams joined us. This enabled us to collaborate with some of the most iconic figures in animation,’ she enthuses. This development has given Vaiana 2 an impressive cinematic scope, taking the story and the visuals to new heights.
ESMA-trained talent shines in the credits
Vaiana 2 marks a significant milestone for ESMA, whose alumni include two professionals involved in this Disney project: François Briantais and Élise Carret. These two talented graduates of the school had the privilege of contributing to this enchanting new chapter.
Élise Carret, the character animator on the film, describes her job with passion: ‘My role is to breathe life into a virtual puppet by drawing on our sense of drawing, acting and rhythm. And all I have to do is repeat the process 24 times a second, 60 times a minute… for 90 minutes of film!
This demanding and meticulous work gives rise to animations that are both realistic and moving, breathing real soul into the characters and enriching each scene with life and emotion.
A childhood dream come true
For Élise, working on Vaiana 2 is more than just a professional opportunity: it’s the fulfilment of a dream she’s had since childhood. ‘Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of joining Disney,’ she confides with emotion. A passion born of her love for animation and the Disney world. ‘Mickey Mouse was my obsession. Between the ages of 3 and 5, my parents would watch me draw the famous mouse over and over again. We had all the Disney film cassettes, which I watched over and over again. Then one day, by chance, I came across the making-of of Snow White. It was a revelation: at the age of 5, my life changed. And here I am, 25 years later, working for the same studio! It was a completely mad adventure.
Today, Élise is proud of her achievements: ‘Taking part in this project was incredibly rewarding. I’d never before worked on a film on such a scale, with such a high level of animation, stunning visual quality and an emotional impact capable of reaching such a wide audience. It’s overwhelming to think that this film will have an impact on the childhood of so many children.
ESMA proud of its talent
The credits of Vaiana 2 highlight the excellence of ESMA, renowned for training experts in CG Animation and Special Effects.
Seeing the names of Élise Carret and François Briantais among the credits of a Disney film is a huge source of satisfaction for the school. Their success reflects the quality of the teaching and the passion that drives ESMA students.
‘It’s a source of great pride to see our alumni shine at this level of excellence,’ says a spokesperson for the school.
The success of Élise and François testifies to the immense opportunities offered by the world of animation to those who devote their talent and commitment to it.
A landmark moment in animated cinema
Vaiana 2 is shaping up to be one of the must-see films of the year. With its breathtaking visuals, gripping plot and memorable characters, the film promises to enchant audiences from all walks of life.
Already tipped to become a new benchmark in the world of animation, Vaiana 2 holds a special thrill for Élise Carret and François Briantais. 27 November 2024 will remain engraved in their memories as the day when their talents were immortalised in the credits of a Disney masterpiece.
© The Walt Disney Company