From a student project to the reality of the animation market
Imagining a world, developing characters and bringing a story to life are all essential steps in the training of a 3D artist. But to take an animation project forward, it is also necessary to understand how the industry works and to know how to present one’s ideas to industry professionals.
It was precisely with this in mind that fifth-year students took part in the Cartoon Forum, a major event in the European animation industry.
Held annually in Toulouse, the Cartoon Forum brings together key players in the creation and production of animated series: studios, producers, broadcasters, investors and creators gather there to discover new projects and develop collaborations.
As well as providing opportunities to meet people, the event serves as a real showcase for entertainment projects currently in development.
For our students, it was an opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of this ecosystem and gain a better understanding of the challenges involved in presenting a project.
The Coaching Programme: learning how to present your project
The Coaching Programme, organised as part of the Cartoon Forum, offers students from animation schools in the Occitanie region the chance to gain hands-on experience within the professional industry.
In particular, the initiative enables them to gain a better understanding of the various stages of a project’s development, to exchange views with industry specialists and to receive advice on their own creations.
Throughout the programme, participants can explore several key aspects of their future professional practice in greater depth:
- The development and organisation of an outreach project.
- The expectations of professionals in the sector.
- The challenges of production and co-production.
- Presenting a project to experts in the field.
- Communication and public speaking techniques for a pitch.
The Coaching Programme therefore provides a practical framework for developing one’s skills, refining one’s communication and taking a step back to reflect on one’s work.
Ten final-year projects showcased at the Cartoon Forum
At this year’s event, fifth-year students from the ESMA campuses in Toulouse and Montpellier were able to present several projects they had developed as part of their course.
The projects selected to take part in the Coaching Programme were as follows:
AUGUSTE, Remember Me
The Light-Gatherer
The Ghost Waltz
TAAL
Solace
Undine’s Curse
A Winter’s Time
Flugz
Yaga
The Fourth Member
Such a wide range of worlds, graphic styles and narrative approaches, all of which reflect the diversity of the projects developed by our students as they complete their studies.
Their participation in the Cartoon Forum enabled them to experience a demanding professional environment, whilst showcasing the work they had produced during their training.
Undine’s Curse: an ESMA project shortlisted for the professional pitch
Of the projects presented as part of the Coaching Programme, *Undine’s Curse* was selected to take part in the mini-pitch session in front of a panel of professionals.
This was a particularly exciting opportunity for the film’s team, who were thus able to showcase their vision and explain the project’s artistic intentions to industry experts.
A maritime adventure with a touch of fantasy
Directed by Élodie Boudou, Yann Coulet, Lou Courdavault, Fanny Roumègue, Florian Fina, Alexis Doignies, Aurélie Pattedoie and Leeloo Trinh-Thieu, *Undine’s Curse* offers an insight into the beliefs and superstitions surrounding sailors in the early 19th century.
During this period, maritime trade and colonisation were experiencing a significant boom. Merchant ships plied the oceans, whilst fantastical tales and legends fuelled the crews’ imaginations.
It is against this historical backdrop that the film’s plot unfolds.
The synopsis
When his captain, having been thrown overboard, returns transformed into a mermaid, a young, indecisive sailor must choose between helping his comrade kill the creature or defending her against him.
Through this dramatic situation, the film explores a moral dilemma that goes beyond a simple clash between the human and the supernatural.
A reflection on the responsibility of witnesses
With *Undine’s Curse*, the team aims to explore passivity in the face of violence and the responsibility of those who witness it.
Friedrich, the main character, is capable of intervening, but chooses not to act in the face of Hermann’s violent behaviour. His fear and unease lead him to stand back.
For filmmakers, this stance raises a key question: is choosing not to intervene also a choice?
The film thus seeks to encourage the viewer to reflect on their own reactions to situations of violence and on their role as a witness.
A compelling narrative vision, set against a fantastical maritime backdrop and imbued with an atmosphere that lends itself to an exploration of human relationships.
A project supervised by our drama teachers
To prepare for this work placement and support the students in developing their projects, two lecturers from ESMA worked with the teams throughout the process:
Clément Theobald
Clément Theobald, who acts as a script consultant for Year 4 and Year 5 projects, also teaches storytelling and semiotics to second- and third-year students.
Valentin Brocard
Valentin Brocard, who acts as a scriptwriting mentor for Year 4 and Year 5 projects, also teaches narratology and screenwriting.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to them for their commitment, their advice and the support they have given our students.
Their work helps teams to structure their narratives, refine their objectives and better prepare for the presentation of their projects.
A formative experience for future 3D professionals
Taking part in the Cartoon Forum is an important milestone in our students’ journey. By learning about the industry’s expectations and engaging with professionals, they develop skills that complement their technical expertise in 3D animation and VFX.
This experience encourages them to take a more professional approach to their work and to consider the potential of their projects beyond the school setting.
Congratulations to all the students selected to take part in the Cartoon Forum!
And well done to the Undine’s Curse team on being selected for the mini-pitch in front of a panel of industry professionals.
We are proud to see our students bring their worlds to life and take new steps towards a career in animation.