Animation at Gobelins Paris (Gobelins) consists of a 3D Character Animator certificate, a preparatory program, and degree options at all levels. The certificate program emphasizes learning by doing through simulation exercises and experiential learning opportunities. Coursework covers 3D animation, acting, animation styles from cartoon to realism, character animation, body mechanics, and 3D layout. Other program benefits include trips to animation conferences; a two-month internship; and the production of a final individual demo reel.
The Gobelins 3D Character Animator certificate takes just one year to complete, full-time. Graduates have a 100% employment rate within six months of completing the program. Examples of career opportunities include 3D Animation Supervisor, 3D Character Animation, and Director of 3D Animation.
Designed for students with a high school diploma, Gobelins’ preparatory program provides the opportunity for students to develop basic creative and technical skills through courses and topics such as Observation Drawing; Animation Techniques; History of Arts and Animation Cinema; Stop Motion; and Character Design.
Animation Preparatory students also benefit from hands-on learning; workshops; mentorship; and optional internships during school holidays. This full-time program has both online and on-campus options that can be completed in just one year.
The Animation Preparatory program culminates with a final project or portfolio of the student's best work. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue an entre-level position or apply to one of Gobelins Animation degree programs. These include a BA in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking; a Bachelor in 3D Animation; an MA in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking; and a Visual Storytelling MA. Programs are provided in partnership with CITIA (la Cité de l’Image en mouvement d’Annecy).
The Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking BA, and the 3D Character Animation program explore areas such as anatomy, special effects (SFX), 2D/3D animation, motion capture, acting, scriptwriting, character and background design, 3D layout, storyboarding, film analysis, direction, history of art, and editing. Students will also master digital tools specific to Animation such as Maya, Première, Photoshop, TV Paint, Animate, After Effects, and Storyboarder.
For both programs, students will work their way through the entire Animation production pipeline. Both programs take three years to complete, full-time. All graduates enjoy a near 90% employment rate within six months after graduating.
The Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking MA at Gobelins Paris is a two-year program that explores filmmaking, scriptwriting, 2D and 3D character animation, directing, graphic design, storyboarding, sound design, 2D and 3D layout, rigging, acting, special effects animation, rendering, and compositing. Students in this professional program will work in teams on projects and animated productions; complete an internship; and produce a demo reel and portfolio.
Other program features include courses taught by professionals from major studios; participation in workshops and projects sponsored by partner companies and public institutions such as Netflix, the French Ministry of Justice, Dell, Universal Music, BMW, Olympus, and Musée Picasso; access to state-of-the-art equipment, studios, and dedicated workstations; and participation in a speed-recruiting event organized during the Annecy festival with more than 50 companies in attendance.
Graduates of the Animation degree programs at Gobelins Paris are prepared to pursue titles such as 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Crowd and Series Animator, 2D Animation Director, Previz Artist, Film Director, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, 3D Animation Supervisor, and Video Game Animator.
The Visual Storytelling MA at Gobelins Paris is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in areas such as animation, video game design, illustration, comic book publishing, and motion design. The program explores character development, universe design, production pipelines, new and emerging technologies, audiovisual creation, adaptations, narrative forms, and group studies.
This project-based program provides the opportunity for students to intern with a French or international company; complete a study trip and research paper on narrative techniques; or participate in an academic mobility at a partner school. Students will also learn how to pitch in teams or individually, and develop a project in animation, gaming, motion design, serious gaming, comics, or other related area. Each student's final pitch will be evaluated by a professional jury.
Founded in 1964 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP) of the Paris Ile-de-France region, Gobelins Paris is one of the oldest Animation schools in the world. Serving approximately 1,105 students today across two campuses in Paris and one in the French Alps, Gobelins provides a variety of programs leading to a BA, MA, or Professional Certificate. Single courses such as 2D Animation, From Storyboard to Animatic, and Drawing for Movement are available online. Gobelins Paris is a member of the French Animation School Network known as RECA, and IPAX—the U.S. network of schools recognized by Sony Pictures.