I have this dream of studying at Gobelins someday.
In my humble opinion, there is no place in the world where you can have more complete animation/art education than there. I know there are some very good schools around, but when you take a look at their student gallery, you'll realize that they have that 'extra' thing. To my taste the 2006 ones are the best of the best =)
From June, 30th to July 11th they'll offer a Summer School program on Character Animation. The cost fee is 2,200 Euro, with accomodation, lunch and transportation within Paris included. That's some VERY good investment.
Unfortunately I can't make it this time. I hope I can go there in the future. Maybe I can save money for next year, who knows? =)
If you have the chance to go there, please don't miss it!
All the animation and storytelling that comes out of that place is really something =) You're right about that.
But it's the teachers definately have something special. I've heard that the teachers aren't really that pedagogical. It's more like "change that one frame and pull that up a little and it'll be perfect" And also that the teachers influences the shorts a little too much.
Well ok now. Maybe I'm not being fair to all the great students coming out from that place. I know that many of them work at big studios etc all around. I guess the outcome really depends on the attitude of both the student and teacher. In terms of how much the student have learnt and evolved.