ESMA Montréal

ESMA Montréal is an applied arts and digital creation college in Montreal, Quebec, specializing in professional training for 3D animation and visual effects. Its teaching combines artistic foundations with the technical skills used in animation, film, television and interactive production. The school is the North American branch of the French ESMA educational institution and belongs to the Réseau Icônes / Les Écoles Créatives network.

Established in 2018, the Montreal campus welcomed its first animation students in autumn 2019. Its development adapted ESMA’s animation education model to Quebec’s post-secondary framework, with programs delivered under the collegiate accreditation of Collège Salette inc. The Montreal institution has its own student productions and educational setting within the wider international network.

Training and creative development

The core AEC in 3D Animation and Visual Effects leads to an Attestation of Collegial Studies. The program comprises 1,830 hours of instruction across six 15-week academic terms. Training spans character animation, modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, compositing, rigging and technical direction, alongside pre-visualization and storyboarding. These disciplines connect visual storytelling with the practical demands of creating animated imagery and effects.

A separate one-year artistic foundation course, known as Mise à niveau artistique or MANA, develops drawing, perspective, color and visual storytelling skills. It provides preparatory study for students building the artistic foundations needed for further creative training.

Learning through production

The curriculum follows professional studio production workflows, with experienced industry practitioners mentoring students as they develop artistic and technical proficiency. Collaborative graduation projects culminate in CGI short films and demoreels, giving students experience bringing multiple production disciplines together in a finished work.

Career preparation includes portfolio reviews, industry presentations, masterclasses, jury screenings and recruitment activities. These activities connect the school’s training with the animation, visual effects and games industries in Montreal and beyond.