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Supinfocom / Supinfogame

Programme information

• Supinfocom: 2 sites.

Supinfocom was founded in 1988 on the initiative of the Valenciennes Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The institute is located in Valenciennes, in northern France and it expanded in Arles, southern France, in October 2000. Studies are validated by a Level I certified and state-recognized diploma (equivalent to an engineering school).

Degree category / length of studies
Foundation course in 2 years: access A-Level
Higher education of specialization in 2 years (3 years from 2007/2008): access 2 years’ higher education or professional experience

Programme categories
Foundation course: The foundation course is a transitional stage required for the move from secondary education to specialist studies on courses specific to image-based professions as taught by Supinfocom and some other higher education institutes. New ways of thinking and new techniques have to be explored: the art of the language of form and the vision of space and in space.
Higher level, specialisation in computer graphics. Aims: approach to script-writing, artistic monitoring, learning about traditional 2D and 3D animation, learning about 3D software, compositing and post-production in order to produce, in the final year, a short film by a group of 3 students, following a genuine production method.

Number of teachers
33 teachers

Number of students
158 students

Number of foreign students
1 Brazilian, 1 Italian, 1 Senegalese, 3 Belgians, 2 Chinese, 1 Togolese, 1 Luxemburger, 1 Greek, 1 Lebanese 

Entry examination
Written tests: general knowledge, narration through images and writing, creativity, observational drawing (foundation course), drawing from memory (higher education course). Interview to discuss candidates’ reasons for applying for the course and their behavioural qualities. Candidates are required to present any documents likely to demonstrate their artistic abilities with a portfolio.

Programme description
Foundation course:
Image design; Typography; Live model; Colour; Sketching from nature and memory; History of arts; Applied arts and visual expression; English; Terminology of drawing; Communication; Gestalt theory (theory of form); Film analysis; Visual variables; Perspective; 2D computer graphics; Drawing and composition of objects (Illustrator, Photoshop, Xpress); Creativity; Semantic analysis; After effect; Introduction to animation.
Higher cycle course:
Video editing; Link Sound / Image; Image design; Scenario; Storyboard; Layout; Techniques of animation; Video/Sound Post production; Management of project.
1st year: To gain the use of 3D computer graphics tools and traditional animation, the skill of film writing, which are the basic knowledge for all computer graphics production.
Modalities of teaching:
Courses and practical works to learn the use of 3D software
Creativity, theatrical expression, writing of scenarios (workshops)
Exercises of 3D stills
Course of traditional animation
Teaching by external professionals
2nd year: Individual production of a 3D animation and setting up of the pre-production of a short by team.
Modalities of teaching:
Master of 3D animation (in addition to 2D animation
Technical learning of character animation
Production of an individual 3D animation
Writing of shorts’ projects with setting up of the production teams
Exercises on all stages of a film production
3rd year: Production of the short animation project made during the 2nd year
Modalities of teaching:
Production of animation with computer graphics tools
Regular technical and aesthetic support
Management of production by schedule
Production of the film soundtrack
Post-production of the short in digital control room

 

• Supinfogame

Supinfogame was created in 2002. Supinfogame’s curriculum is drawn up by an educational team consisting mainly of people working in the profession.
Knowledge and expertise passed on by qualified professionals.
Lectures followed up by practical exercises (over 600 hours per year).
Conferences and talks by «stars» from the video game industry.
Importance of individual and group work (access to equipment outside courses).
Learning about the software packages that are most commonly used in the profession.
Intensive weeks dedicated to designing and producing projects.
Continuous assessment and quarterly exams.
A demand for quality: a minimum overall mark of 12/20 is required to move on to the higher education course.
Internal panel at the end of the foundation course.
Public presentation of end-of-studies work and a panel of professionals.
Compulsory placements during the higher education course.

Degree category / length of studies
Foundation course in 2 years: access A-Level
Higher education of specialization in 2 years: access 2 years’ higher education or professional experience

Programme categories
Foundation course: It enables students to gain the basic knowledge they need to take a professional approach to video game production. It is the ideal preparation for entry into Supinfogame’s higher education course. The aims are to study the video game culture from a professional angle, to gain a general knowledge of the entertainment industry and an understanding of videogame economics, techniques and technologies.
Higher education: students gain a deeper knowledge of the techniques and skills required for game design and videogame production management. The final year is mostly dedicated to the completion of a team project (pre-production and prototyping of a game).

Number of teachers 
Foundation course: 8/10 teachers
Higher education course: 15 teachers

Number of students 
80 students            

Number of foreign students 
2 Belgians, 1 Italian, 1 Chinese

Entry requirements
Game Design & Production Management entrance examination: written tests (checks on candidates’ creativity, rigor, general knowledge and analytical abilities) and an interview with a panel of professionals: discussion of candidates’ abilities, motivation and quality of expression (possibly supported by a personal portfolio).
Game Design & Computer graphics: written tests (checks on candidates’ drawing skills, creativity, general and video game knowledge) and an interview with a panel of professionals: discussion of candidates’ abilities, motivation and quality of expression. The applicant is required to present a personal portfolio showing his or her artistic skills.

Programme description 
Game design; production management; level design; English; history of video games; interactive writing; ergonomics; analysis of the video game; film analysis; 3D computer graphics; 3D animation; theory of image; sound design; programming; psychology; art and writing; law; human resources.
New courses: Game Design & Computer graphics: game and level design, drawing, graphics, colour, animation software, film analysis, sound design, business English.
The final year is mostly dedicated to the completion of a team project (pre-production and prototyping of a game) in collaboration with the students of new course of study Game Design and Production Management.

Philosophy

A school where students learn how to create digital content of excellence.
Pedagogy, philosophy, software and hardware environment.
The aims of Supinfocom are:
To instill a passion for beautiful images and a taste for narration and the creation of emotions.
To encourage the development of new creative energy and teamwork.
To combine teaching and creation through the production of fixed and animated computer images presented to an outside panel of professionals and at international festivals or competitions.
To pass on technical and artistic skills and experience, constantly combining learning and research.
To be able to adapt to technological developments, explore new paths and experiment with innovative teaching methods.
As a direct link to the professional world, to train high-level computer graphic and digital directors, capable of understanding these disciplines and using them in a wide range of applications.