ETNA : European Training Network for Animation Schools

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La Poudrière

Programme information

The school teaches students and trainees about animation filmmaking by giving them a comprehensive knowledge of all the stages of film production - from storyboard and scriptwriting to editing and sound post-production. The small number of students allows the school to concentrate on the skills, experience and needs of each trainee. Another important aspect of the training programme is its connections with the animation industry. Apart from the head of training, no teachers are attached to the school. All teachers are industry professionals (filmmakers, scriptwriters, storyboarders, editors, as well as producers, distributors, book publishers, etc.).
The school has also developed partnerships with broadcasters so that students can experiment with the idea of commissioned works. 

Degree category / length of studies
Two-year training programme in directing animated film

Number of teachers
50 to 70 teachers

Number of students 
9 to 10 students per year

Number of foreign students 
1 to 2 foreign students per year

Entry requirements
Technical training and/or personal knowledge of animation techniques. The minimum age required is 23 years old

Programme description 
During their training, the students work both on practicalities (storyboards, animatics) and short films. This allows them to get to grips with the film making process. In both cases, the work is placed in a given context: free subject, personal film, adaptation, commissioned film, and TV series. Exercises are done in a given time and, in most cases, within a budget. Finally, and this is essential, the students must stay available for other proposals. The school gives a prominent position to other art forms: cinema, theatre, literature and music.

Philosophy

La Poudrière offers a two-year training course in directing animated film and is open both to French and foreign students who already have technical training or some practical experience in animation. The main goal of the school is to train professionals capable of making films, either on their own or as part of a team, by giving them a comprehensive knowledge of all the technical and creative stages of film production.