The image sector is an emerging sector in Vaucluse, which has several schools specialising in animation and video games. It is experiencing exponential growth in France and the world in all areas, from leisure (2021 was a record year for the video game market, which generated 5.6 billion euros of turnover) to cutting-edge industries (flight simulators, medical equipment, etc.). This creative economy boom results in new talents being constantly sought and professions in constant development, representing a unique opportunity for the Vaucluse which is brimming with advantages to attract new students and appeal to studios looking for a pool of qualified expertise.
The Vaucluse takes on these challenges, with 3 specialist schools (Ecole des Nouvelles Image, Game Academy and ESA Game) teaching almost 400 students there at present.
The département provides the perfect melting pot for cultivating talent, with complementary fields, visions of enthusiasts who want to help people make their dream career a reality, occasionally prestigious partnerships (Airbus, French Air and Space Force), recognition (awards and coverage in the specialist press).
Have a look round all these gems of the Vaucluse digital ecosystem, which is experiencing strong growth in light of how digital professions are booming internationally.
Ecole des Nouvelles Images
Since 2017, the Ecole des Nouvelles Images, classed in the top 10 animation schools in France in 2021 by Animation Career Review, has been raising the profile of Avignon internationally, thanks to the excellence of the teaching given, rewarded by many awards and nominations, from the Oscars to BAFTA and students joining prestigious groups. Meeting with Julien Deparis, founder and director.
The Bonus – each year, as part of their projects, the School’s students apply their skills to social initiatives, like Saint-Joseph Hospital in Marseille for example, for which a class made an educational film to inform, reassure, and support children and their families staying in hospital, about the care and operations, with the film “life in the operating theatre” and health education with “golden rules for risk-free sleep” (FR).
In 2022, the School will make a film for Avignon hospital, for those experiencing residual effects after having Covid-19.
The interview
Meeting with Julien Deparis, founder and director. (FR)
The Ecole des Nouvelles Images has been training students in the animation professions since 2017.
Game Academy
Game Academy in Avignon has been training those looking to work in video game production through a 4-year undergraduate course.
Game Academy is more than an establishment, as the students and lecturers also form a united group. It is also and more than anything a dream come true for Kévin Vivier, who wanted to set up this school in the town that means a lot to him. Meeting with Tristan, a lecturer in this school created and directed by Kévin Vivier.
The Bonus – Game Academy has also set up a partnership with the French Air and Space Force through the Orange air base, as part of developing a helicopter flight stimulator.
Interview
Meeting with Tristan, lecturer (FR)
Game Academy in Avignon has been training those looking to work in video game production through a 4-year undergraduate course.
ESA Games
ESA Games is the first specialist higher education establishment devoted to video games set up in Vaucluse. In 2016 it offered a 3-year course in Carpentras to become a 2D/3D Technical Game Artist, Technical Game Designer and Programming, with diplomas recognised by the French Ministry of National Education. A school that is not like the others where the keywords are creativity, tolerance, goodwill and freedom. Meeting with Gilles Francescano, founder and director.
The bonus: in September 2021 the educational offer was expanded with 3D animation courses and the opening of the Manga Drawing section, for publication or animation.
Interview
Meeting with Gilles Francescano, founder and director. (FR)
Read about ESA Game, video game school in Carpentras.