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ApplyVisit of one of the largest French film studios
As part of the History of Cinema course taught by Maud CALMÉ, a lecturer at the MoPA School of Animation, students in The Preparatory Class for Animation Cinema had the opportunity to visit Provence Studios and the Gnidzaz Cinematheque in Martigues.
This immersive day bridged the history of cinema with its most advanced technologies, offering students a fascinating overview of the seventh art, from its origins to modern innovations.
The day began at the Gnidzaz Cinematheque, where students explored a historical timeline showcasing the inventions that led to the creation of the cinematograph. Handling period artifacts gave them a deeper understanding of the scientific advances behind animated images. The students also delved into the Cinematheque’s archives, where film reels in various formats are carefully preserved. The morning concluded with a screening of a documentary about Alice Guy, a cinema pioneer and the world's first female director, adding further depth to this enriching experience.
The afternoon took place on the impressive sets of Provence Studios, which span 26,000 m². Students toured ready-to-film sets (including a prison and an airplane cockpit) and explored behind-the-scenes aspects of film production, such as the workshops for set construction and the props used in films like The Nun 2, Gaston Lagaffe, and The Serpent Queen. A highlight for the aspiring animators was the giant LED screen—a revolutionary technology redefining filmmaking practices.
Between awe and learning, the students gained a deeper appreciation of the evolution of cinema while immersing themselves in an environment that could one day become their professional playground.
“We were welcomed by incredibly passionate people. By the end of the day, the whole class had stars in their eyes. The professionals took us seriously, and the conversations felt like discussions between equals. They also explained how animation can be integrated into a studio like this.”
