Training talent : an applied arts and media school which is the envy of the world

In 2009, a French film, 'Oktapodi', was nominated for an Oscar in the best animated short film category : it was just an end-of-term project made by students at the GOBELINS école de l'image school in Paris. This school trains talented students in film and multimedia which is then recognised and sought-after all over the world. What is the recipe for its success ? It is due to the training courses which are constantly being renewed in order to reflect market needs, and also the teaching which turns traditional ideas on their heads : it is not the student who conforms to the style of the school, but the person working on the student's project who adapts his teaching to suit the student. Even though this method of teaching leads to the discovery of talents which are greatly appreciated, the school has to restrict the number of students, operate a very strict selection process, and employ a dynamic and highly capable teaching staff.