CG Animation & FX
Master Degree
The 3D Animation and Special Effects Professional Cycle is aimed at all students wishing to enter the 3D Animation profession.
5-year professional training course
With its focus on artistic and technical learning, ESMA’s 3D course is ideal for learning to master the main 3D software and eventually immerse yourself in the film industry, the world of video games or the world of advertising.
This 5-year course trains experts in the design and production of 3D animated films and special effects, in demand by professionals in the sector.
The course is validated by the RNCP37415 title Expert en conception et réalisation – Animation 3D et Effets Spéciaux, level 7 (equivalent to Bac+5), registered on 27/03/2023.
Accessible after the baccalaureate for entry to the 1st preparatory year, the motivation interview and presentation of a portfolio of work required for admission by ESMA are decisive in the selection of students. With a view to professionalisation, the course includes a compulsory 8-week work placement and is subject to continuous assessment.
The 3D course offered by ESMA is taught on the Montpellier, Toulouse, Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux and Rennes campuses. An English-language version of the course is offered on the Lyon campus only.
- Overall course satisfaction rate: 97% (Class of 2022)
- 230 graduates in 2023 – Success rate in 2023: 96%.
- Job entry rate after 6 months: 92% (Class of 2021)
Animation Film Cycle
(PRODUCTION OF GRADUATION SHORT FILMS)
Mésozoïque Alternatif
Promotion 2021
Happy Easter
Promotion 2020
SKID
Promotion 2019
. 
Petite Faim
Promotion 2017
Achoo
Promotion 2017
Ex-ET
Promotion 2008
Monkey Symphony
Promotion 2013
Chateau de Sable (Sand Castle)
Promotion 2015
.
ESMA has a very strong background in animation cinema and that’s really what we’re looking for. This allows us to have specialized students, very focused on their careers. Students are passionate and highly motivated by what they do.
Erik SMITT
Director of photography at Pixar Animation Studios
word of alumni
This training gave me all the knowledge I needed to be a professional from the end of my studies: computer tools, the basics for all disciplines, rigour, perseverance and above all teamwork (key to success). The professors transmitted to us their passion for animation and the desire to always go further in our projects.
Elise CARRET
Marketing Animator – Illumination MacGuff
Promo: 2017
PROFESSIONAL QUOTE
ESMA is really one of the two premiers schools, not just in France, but in the world.
Shelley Page
Head of International Outreach, Dreamworks
PROFESSIONAL QUOTE
When it comes to seeking out the next generation of VFX rock stars – ESMA is always one of our first destinations !
Glenn Matchett
Global Head of Talent Marketing, MPC
word of alumni
In my opinion, ESMA remains one of the reference schools for the CG Animation training. The school’s address book allows students to find their happiness in the panel of studios present during the final jury. It is a school that I regularly recommend.
Karen SEGHETTO
First Assistant Director, TAT Prod
Promotion : 2015
Their films are always nice surprises, with great messages in the background! Form yes, but not without substance. At ESMA this is not the case and this can be seen by following the evolution of the films over the years. This is proof of valuable teaching.
Lionel POUCHARD
Storyboard artist
professional quote
To better prepare for the professional world, ESMA students learn the importance of teamwork. They work with passionate and experienced teachers to produce ambitious animated films!
Jason Figliozzi
Animator, Disney Animation
We are visiting several schools but to be honest, ESMA is where we met the best student works. We are really delighted to see all the love and hard work they invest in their projects and how hight the level of everything they have done is.
Claudia GLOD
Producer and Resource Manager
Milford Creative Studio
The programme
The professional course in 3D animation and special effects also enables students to master all the techniques of 3D design, animation and the production stages of an animation project using digital images:
- Pre-production : creation of models (modelling), storyboarding, layout, scriptwriting, etc.
- Production : 3D modelling, rigging, compositing, 3D animation, etc.
- Post-production : lighting, rendering, special effects, etc.
During the 4 years of training in 3D animation and special effects, students will learn to master the main 3D modelling tools and 3D software to help them make their animated films : Maya (software for modelling, modeling, animation texturing), Houdini (software specialising in 3D special effects), Marvelous (software specialising in fabric), Arnold and Renderman (rendering engines), Yeti (software specialising in hair to exacerbate the impression of realism)…
Art history, image analysis and English are also taught as part of the artistic and technical curriculum.
As part of their final year of study, students work in groups to make an animated film, which is presented to a jury of international professionals. This project enables them to put into practice the skills they have acquired during their course.
The presentation of this film is also an opportunity for students to meet professionals in the animation and special effects industry, to position themselves and immediately envisage a fulfilling and successful career in the animation industry.
The school’s graduation films are screened at the most prestigious festivals. These include
- The Annecy International Animation Film Festival
- Siggraph (Special Interest Group on Computer GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques)
- The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS)
- Etc
Objectives
ESMA has a job placement rate of over 93% just 6 months (source: class of 2021) after graduation (100% after one year), with over 800 graduates working for the world’s biggest studios since 2002. ESMA’s professional course in 3D Animation and Special Effects has become a benchmark not only in France but also abroad.
3D and special effects are everywhere in the video game, cinema, advertising and television industries…
MASTERING THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CHAIN FOR A 3D ANIMATED FILM
Among these courses, ESMA offers a very comprehensive expert training programme, which requires a high level of commitment from the students; these ingredients ensure the success of the students once they have graduated.
This 5-year 3D course is not accessible via a CPF (personal training account), nor is it a sandwich course: it is a continuous assessment course, accessible after a baccalaureate.
In addition to the fantastic opportunity to join a film production or video game design studio, ESMA’s 3D Animation and Special Effects course also offers the chance to establish yourself as a freelance professional.
Our 3D and special effects training makes a strong impression and is recognised by professionals all over the world. Once students have graduated, they will have the opportunity to develop their professional lives in France or abroad.
So there are plenty of opportunities for students.
Careers and career opportunities
The “3D & Special Effects Project Manager” course, recognised as a Bac+5, leads to jobs with responsibilities in both the film and video game industries :
– Director – 3D Director – Head of 3D studio
– CG Animation Supervisor
– Computer graphics designer
– Artistic Director
– Director, the CG project manager
– CG Studio Manager
– Independant Author-Director
– Character Designer
– 3D Animator
– Generalist CG
