Animation Foundation: what to expect from the animation school competitive exams?
The Animation Foundation prepares you for the entrance exams to the top animation schools in France and abroad.
Over the course of a whole year, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and animation, both from a theoretical point of view through the history of art, and an empirical perspective through intensive practice via numerous means of expression.
The entrance exams for the major Animation schools are intensive and require significant preparation.
During the Animation Foundation course, you will also be required to create a portfolio that you will present to the examination panel during the entrance exams to the school(s) of your choice. So what do these competitive exams consist of and how are they structured? We find out with the advice of Animation professionals.
▶ The written test
For most major schools, a written test is part of the entrance exam. It is usually based on your knowledge of English, the art world and your general knowledge.
The Animation Foundation at Atelier de Sèvres trains you to pass the competitive exams for major Animation schools through mock exams during the second half of the year.
In addition, just like the Animation Foundation at Atelier de Sèvres, the major schools generally also welcome international students. It is therefore essential to have the linguistic means to be able to share and discuss your chosen discipline. This is also the case at Atelier de Sèvres.
Coaching for the general and artistic knowledge texts is conducted throughout the year by the classes at Atelier de Sèvres and the Animation Foundation teachers.
▶ The drawing test
Drawing is an inevitable part of the entrance exams to the major animation schools. While it is not essential to have a good level when you join the Animation Foundation at Atelier de Sèvres, the schools will evaluate your skills more critically, as they accept very few candidates.
Schools such as Gobelins also focus on – and expect you to have a good command of – freehand drawing. Other tests, such as the storyboard, a discipline taught during the Animation Foundation at the Atelier de Sèvres, also take place.
Some VFX-oriented courses, such as that at the ArtFx school, require you to submit photographs or videos with special effects, so you should ensure that you find out about the requirements of each Animation School that you apply to. Each pathway that they offer must hold your attention.
Be aware that Gobelins, for example, offers no less than five courses, from the Animation Foundation course, like Atelier de Sèvres, to the hallowed Animated Film Designer and Director course over four years.
▶ The oral test
During the oral test, which you will have prepared for, of course, throughout your Animation Foundation year at Atelier de Sèvres, you will be required to present your portfolio to the examination panel.
You will have developed your portfolio throughout your Animation Foundation year at Atelier de Sèvres with the support of a teacher. You must be able to present your work in a concise and clear manner, using the appropriate vocabulary, etc.
The most important thing is to be able to share a narrative. Some major schools prefer to let the candidate speak about the subject of their choice or even encourage them to talk about their hobbies, for example, in order to push them to develop the thread of a story. Thierry Brionnet, head of studies of the animation department of Isart Digital, says: "This strange desire to tell a story is essential in order to succeed in animation".
Be aware that some schools, like Emile-Cohl, have waived entrance exams to focus on the candidate’s practical work and their motivation. As such, admission is based on the portfolio review (which is produced during the Animation Foundation), and discussion with the teachers.
The Animation Foundation at Atelier de Sèvres offers you a year of intensive training for the entrance exams to the major animation schools. If you would like more information, contact Atelier de Sèvres who will put you in touch with the Animation Foundation teachers.
