Discover Gobelins, the School of Image in Paris

Discover Gobelins, the School of Image in Paris

The Gobelins School of the Image, the oldest in France, was created in 1963, depending on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Paris-Île-de-France region. Initially, the school provided training in photography before moving on to other professions in the graphic industry, animation, video, digital design, and recently video games.

It is a worldwide reference in the world of visual creation. The school recruits nearly 1,000 students each year and has an employment rate of nearly 100%, including 88% within 6 months of graduation. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things that you need to know about Paris’ school of image, Gobelins.

An internationally renowned school

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France has 75 image schools. The École des Gobelins is the most recognized in the world for the quality of its training. The technological means and the pedagogical environment implemented are at the cutting edge of evolution, with a perfect balance between theory and practice. It was elected the world’s leading animation school in 2016 and 2017, and recently on May 6, 2021.

Many of the animators graduating from Gobelins are recruited by renowned studios like Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, Warner Bros. Pictures, and many others. The school offers initial intramural training and continuing education for professionals. Distance learning courses (e-learning) have also been for almost two years.

Quality of training at Gobelins

The École de l’Image des Gobelins is the world leader in animation. At the end of their studies, students prepare a film project. Many of the projects are awarded by international competitions and festivals. The courses are taught by recognized professionals in the field of image. Many of the professionals in the French audiovisual industry are graduates of Gobelins. A partnership with the giant Netflix was created two years ago. With the Netflix Animation Fellowship program, a Gobelins graduate has already been able to join a team of animation experts in Japan to develop its original titles.

How to get into the École des Gobelins?

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To be admitted to the École des Gobelins, students must have at least a baccalaureate and be no more than 25 years old (or no more than 29 years old for an apprenticeship contract). The entrance exam is open to students with a general baccalaureate, but most candidates have a technological or professional baccalaureate. Selected applicants must pass two tests:

  • Eligibility test: most often written tests
  • Admission test: an oral interview in front of a jury composed of teachers and professionals to present their portfolio and their motivation.

The diplomas

At the end of the training, the school offers level I, II, and III study cycles, sanctioned by State diplomas from baccalaureate + 2 to baccalaureate + 5:

  • Bac Pro and BTS
  • Professional licenses
  • Certificates issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Professional certifications are registered in the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) and recognized by the State.

The “3D Animation Prep” program

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Private schools offer paid training to learn the technical basics of the discipline. This is a one-year preparatory course to prepare for the entrance exams to art schools, including Gobelins. At the end of the training, the student does not obtain a diploma, but on the other hand, acquires the necessary bases to present themselves to the selection required by the art schools.

There are 232 “3D Animation prep schools” in France. The courses are not free and are quite expensive, between 4 000 and 6 000 €. If you want to have more information about the school, art training fairs and open houses are scheduled in the last 3 months of the year.

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