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ApplyMaking of the graduation film « Arles Créative »
Discover the making of « Arles Créative », the graduation film by Stella JARDEL and Nicolas YUN CHRISTMANN, graduates of the 2025 class of the 3D animation film program.
Stella - Hi, we are in our 5th year at MoPA, and we're going to present the making of our graduation film.
Stella - The format of this film is a bit special because it's a commissioned project from ACCM, the Arles-Crau-Camargue-Montagnette Community of Agglomeration.
Nicolas - It's a promotional film for the city of Arles. The goal of our film is to show Arles as a creative, lively city where people feel good.
Stella - It's the story of Sam, Eva, and Gesa, three young people from Arles, students, photographers, and artists who take us on a journey to discover the city of Arles. We went for a mixed-media artistic direction. It combines collage and fairly classic 3D. We did this because in Arles, during the summer, the streets are plastered with posters and photos everywhere, and that really struck us. We found that paper was quite a recurring element in the city, and that's why we wanted to use this medium and spread it everywhere, creating a texture play in the film.
Nicolas - In the film, we talk about life in Arles, and it's the life that we live too. So, that was a very interesting aspect of the film because we had the opportunity to talk about our lives and put our life into the film.
Stella - One of the main challenges of this film was meeting the client's expectations, respecting their specifications, but we were very free in the graphic aspect of the project.
Nicolas - I think one of the challenges of the film was that it was just the two of us. Especially since we’re both specialized in animation. So, tasks involving images, as we say at MoPA, were a bit complicated. That’s also why we chose a flat artistic direction. It was also to enjoy ourselves and not be in front of the computer all the time, and to have small things that we could do by hand.
Stella - For these graduation film productions, we’re pretty autonomous because we also need to prepare for the professional world afterward, but we are still supported by instructors who help us when we need assistance on specific things.
Nicolas - I think MoPA really prepares you well for the job that comes afterward. We have many different instructors. Some of them work on major projects like Arkane or at DreamWorks and they guide us based on where we are in our production. They act a bit like a lead in a studio, so they give us feedback and help us improve our work.
Stella - What I really liked during my 6 years at MoPA is that the training allows us to discover all the facets of animated cinema and then choose the area we want to specialize in, what we prefer, what inspires us, and give us all the necessary skills to succeed in this field. If I had advice for a young person wanting to start studying at MoPA, it would be to persevere. When you want to tell stories, don't give up, and above all, have fun telling them.
Discover the making of the graduation film « Arles Créative »
One of the crucial steps in the MoPA journey is creating a graduation film. These projects are true testaments to the autonomy and creativity of animation students. Today, let’s dive into the behind the scenes of a unique film creation, a commission from ACCM that highlights the city of Arles. Through this making of, we take you into the world of two passionate students, who, through their film, offer an artistic vision of the city where they spent their student years. Discover how they overcame technical and creative challenges to create a film combining 3D and collage.
A unique film format: Arles, a creative city
This graduation project from MoPA students takes place in a special context, that of a commission from ACCM. The goal of this promotional film? To showcase the city of Arles in a creative, lively, and dynamic light. The film tells the story of Sam, Eva, and Gesa, three young people from Arles passionate about photography and art, who take us on a journey through their city.
The students chose to explore the city through an artistic direction combining collage and classic 3D. Why this choice? Because the streets of Arles are covered with numerous posters, creating a unique texture play that inspired their artistic vision.
The challenges of a duo project: how animation takes shape
Working in duo on a graduation project can be both an asset and a challenge. The two students, specialized in animation, faced several constraints. The most important one? To create a film that was both creative and in line with the client's expectations, all while respecting deadlines.
By choosing a flat artistic direction, they were able to focus on a graphic output that allowed them to mix handmade and digital work, an approach that fostered their autonomy while staying true to their creative vision.
A tight-knit team: the strength of MoPA's instructors
At MoPA, students benefit from personalized support throughout their journey. During the creation of their film, the two students were guided by professional instructors. These experts, coming from major international studios, provided them with critical feedback and practical advice to enhance the film's quality. This guidance helped the students align with professional standards, a crucial aspect in preparing for the professional world.
The graduation film: an experience that prepares for the professional reality
Creating a graduation film is not just an academic exercise, it is also a practical preparation for the professional world. As 3D animation students at MoPA, they are trained to manage a project from conception to realization. This project is an integral part of their development, as it allows them to acquire practical skills and prepare for real challenges in the workplace.
"What I really liked during my 6 years at MoPA is that the training allows us to discover all the facets of animated cinema and then choose what we want to specialize in, what we prefer, what inspires us, and gives us all the skills we need to succeed in this field."
FAQ
What is a graduation film at MoPA?
A graduation film at MoPA is the final project for animation students. It represents the culmination of their journey, where they must apply all the skills they have acquired during their years of study. This film is created autonomously, with the support of professional instructors.
What are the main challenges of a graduation film?
The challenges include time management and the need to stay creative while meeting technical expectations. Working in a small team, as the students did in this film with just two of them, strengthens project management and autonomy skills.
How does MoPA prepare its students for professional life?
MoPA places special emphasis on professional preparation. In addition to theoretical courses, students participate in real projects like graduation films, and are followed by expert instructors who help improve their work. This guidance simulates a professional studio environment and prepares students for the market's expectations.
Why choose MoPA for 3D animation studies?
MoPA offers a complete and practical education in 3D animation, with personalized support and teaching provided by professionals in the field. Students are trained to succeed in the animation industry and acquire the skills necessary for a successful career.
