Preparation for animation studies in France and abroad
Access the best animation schools internationally
The teaching approach at Atelier de Sèvres is structured around a foundation of practical courses, which includes the following: narration, illustration, storyboarding, drawing, animation techniques, character design, computer graphics, and the history of cinema and animation.
These lessons are complementary and essential for putting together varied, solid, and well-argued personal work portfolios.
Thanks to instruction in English, the international language of animation, students in the international animation preparatory program at Atelier de Sèvres significantly increase their chances of being accepted into animation schools in France and abroad, and then into international studios. The class, made up of French-speaking students who speak English and international students, offers an enriching multicultural experience.
The teachers, all confirmed professionals and artists,
accompany students in completing imposed coursework in progress and developing their personal projects.
In one year, students in the international animation preparatory course at Atelier de Sèvres learn to strengthen and master the fundamentals of drawing, but also to assimilate and put into practice techniques related to the careers in animated film. They are thus prepared for entrance exams to animation schools in France and abroad.
A demanding teaching approach tailored to each individual
In order to prepare students for higher education and enable them to submit an exemplary application to animation school entrance exams, the preparatory pedagogy at Atelier de Sèvres is divided into two areas:
- a core curriculum of theoretical courses and applied courses in animated film / in English
- experimental workshops in animation techniques / in French
In the core curriculum, students acquire the basics and fundamentals, then deepen their knowledge with courses focused purely on drawing - observation drawing, life drawing, perspective - but also specific to animation, such as storyboarding, character design, introduction to 2D, illustration, history of art/animated cinema, computer graphics applied to film production.
The year will be punctuated by specific events for all classes:
Highlights, during which you will respond freely, as a team, to a topic in 15 days.
- Highlights, during which you will respond freely, as a team, to a topic in 15 days. For example, carrying out work that will incorporate all stages of film pre-production: screenplay, character design, storyboard, layout, and animatic. These highlights are followed by a presentation of the project to a panel of two teachers.
- Two-day workshops that will result in a stop-motion rendering and an animated painting rendering.
- Mock competition, writing workshops for drafting the texts required in the exams, oral exam practice, and assistance with putting together application files.
- A forum and informative conferences on animation schools in France and abroad
- Conferences given in French or English by professionals from the world of animation, offering a wide range of careers in the field.
Comprehensive preparation for competitive examinations
The year is punctuated by competitions and mock juries. Students learn how to build and shape the portfolio they will present to higher education institutions, with the help of the teaching team.
At the same time, students prepare for their oral competition, some of which are conducted in English. Just as important as the portfolio, this exchange with the jury must be passionate, clear, and asserted. That is why the teaching team at Atelier de Sèvres makes it a point of honor to prepare students for this stage. The teaching team is there to support students but also to help them develop their artistic personality. The very same one that will enable them to claim special expertise, a project.
In 2024, 92% of students in the Atelier de Sèvres international art preparatory program passed at least one entrance exam to a prestigious school in France or abroad, including:
- Gobelins
- Georges Méliès School
- Rubika (SUPINFOCOM Valenciennes)
- ArtFx
- Emile Cohl School
- Bachelor's Degree in 2D/3D Animation
- Pivaut School
- EMCA Angoulême
- MoPa (SUPINFOCOM Arles)
- New3dge
Networks
The network of professionals
Throughout the year, students meet professionals as teachers but also at conferences, where they have the opportunity to exchange ideas, create, and also consider their future direction more precisely.
The school network
Thanks to the Higher Education Forum, held every year in November/December, students can attend presentations on courses, watch graduation films, find out about admission dates and procedures, learn about higher education institutions specializing in animation, and discover the specific features of each one (2D, 3D, Author, Technique, VFX, etc.).
In the presence of former students from the Atelier de Sèvres who have been accepted into these schools, as well as the pedagogy directors, they will be able to refine their choices and plan their competition schedule.
Further education and career opportunities
Students in the Animation Prep Program have the opportunity to enroll in a bachelor's degree program in animation at the Atelier de Sèvres. Two courses of study are available to them:
- Bachelor's degree in animated film design
- Bachelor's degree in 2D/3D animation
They can then continue with a master's degree in animation film writing and directing for a complete course of study, or with training in animation film production director, which will produce high-level professionals.
Three good reasons to choose the Atelier de Sèvres international animation prep course
- Individualized support
- 92% success rate in competitive entrance exams for prestigious art school
- Technical workshops in the heart of Paris
A three-step preparation
September to December: learning the fundamentals of drawing (observation and imagination) and animation, cross-disciplinary courses in art/animated film, computer graphics, putting together an art portfolio, animation school forum.
January to late February: Classes/workshops, joint projects, animation, storyboarding, character placement in space, staging, etc.
During each period, group workshops culminate in the completion of films for demo reels: stop-motion, animated painting, or paper cutouts on a title bench.
At the same time, throughout the semester: Assistance with putting together an artistic portfolio and demo tape, including editing advice and access to the sound studio.
Support is personalized in the second semester according to the expectations of the main schools targeted, including the bachelor's degree in 2D/3D animation or animation film design at the Atelier de Sèvres.
March to May: Finalization of the artistic portfolio and project in all classes, training for oral competitions in addition to compulsory classes, individual meetings on artistic culture with art history/animated film teachers.
IMPORTANT - The schedule is indicative and may be adjusted to accommodate competition dates in France and abroad.
End-of-semester jury, mock written exams, and mock oral exam.
How can I join the training program?
Prerequisites:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Application form and admission interview in person or remotely. The candidate's artistic portfolio is taken into account, as well as their motivation, background, creativity, practices, and general knowledge. The interview is conducted in French.
A three-step admission process:
Admission to the Atelier de Sèvres is based on an application form and an interview. It takes place in three stages:
- Submission of the application file & scheduling of an appointment: Candidates download the application form and agree on an interview date via the website, or the school will call them back to arrange one. Interviews can take place either at the school or remotely, as preferred.
- Interview: Candidates present their artistic portfolio to the admissions officer, along with their motivation, background, creativity, practices, and general knowledge. The interview is conducted in French.
- Admission: Candidates are notified of their admission after their interview. They have 15 days to return their registration form and secure their place for the upcoming school year.
Application deadline: Admissions are open from October 2025 to August 2026 for a September 2026 start date. Applications will be processed within a maximum of three weeks after receipt of the complete file. Registration is possible until the start date, subject to availability. By way of exception, enrollment is possible after the start date of the training course, following assessment and verification of the learner's ability to catch up on the learning already provided, within a maximum period of two months after the start of the training course.
Workshops conducive to creativity
Located in the heart of Paris, the Atelier de Sèvres provides its students with a wide range of high-end equipment and free access to spaces entirely dedicated to creativity. They can take advantage of specialized workshops in screen printing, photo/video, engraving, ceramics, construction (wood, metal, modeling), multimedia (editing, retouching, printing, publishing, binding), digital practices (3D printers, laser cutting, plotters), and sound.
