A breathtaking aerial confrontation combined with a daring technical feat: The Price of Glory
News . 30 Jan. 2025
Driven by remarkable technical and artistic ambition, De la Gloire, an animated film by ESMA’s Class of 2023, plunges us into a gripping aerial confrontation during the First World War. Behind this immersive work lies a meticulous collective effort, marked by a number of challenges that were brilliantly met.
Intense aerial combat
This 3D animated film features Antoine, a young French aviator, facing off against a German opponent. At first Antoine thinks he will win, but the duel takes a dramatic turn and he finds himself in a weak position. Just as all seemed lost, an unexpected opportunity allowed him to regain the advantage and win. However, the victory leaves a bitter taste: when Antoine touches down, he finds himself facing his dying enemy and realises the heavy price that glory imposes.
A unique narrative in a powerful genre
The theme of military aviation in the First World War, with its distinctive aesthetic and fascinating historical legacy, is an emblematic setting. So one of the major challenges of the project was to infuse it with a fresh vision. Le Prix De La Gloire is more than just a spectacular battle scene; it questions the meaning of victory and sacrifice. By placing emotion at the heart of the story, the film breaks away from traditional representations of the genre and offers a poignant and immersive experience.
A major visual challenge
One of the major challenges of the project was not only the narrative, but also the representation of the main character. Hidden in his cockpit, concealed under the wings of his plane and behind his glasses, Antoine was difficult to show off. This challenge was amplified by a set dominated by a grey sky, devoid of light reflections, making legibility even more complex. Striking the right balance between realism and visual clarity required meticulous work on lighting and textures. Thanks to in-depth technical expertise, the team was able to overcome these constraints and deliver a scene that was fluid, immersive and impactful.
A synergy of talents in the service of excellence
Giving birth to a project of this magnitude requires unfailing dedication. Driven by passion and rigour, the team behind Le Prix De La Gloire combined technical mastery with a sense of storytelling to create a short film that is as immersive as it is powerful. Thanks to a perfect alchemy between animation, rendering and storytelling, these students have brilliantly risen to the challenge, delivering a work that is both daring and gripping.
A big well done to the whole team: Mathis Bourneau, Robin Chateauvieux, Imane Domon, Corentin Gateau Reuze, Leiana Guillon, Inès Martin, Guillaume Minvielle, Rodolf Soldati. Thanks to their perseverance and unfailing commitment, the students were able to give birth to a work with a strong, controlled visual identity. The Prix De La Gloire is an outstanding success, a shining example of the creativity and expertise of ESMA students. This ambitious project confirms their ability to rise to the demanding challenges of 3D animation and special effects, paving the way for a promising future in the industry.