On 25 April, the Lyon and Nantes campuses of the CinéCréatis school hosted an immersive event dedicated entirely to discovering the film industry. Open to all those who are curious, passionate and future students, this day enabled the public to enter the audiovisual world and explore its many facets, in an atmosphere that was friendly, educational and resolutely practical.
From the moment they arrived, participants were plunged into the backstage world of filmmaking. Far from a simple theoretical presentation, the event offered a real immersion in the various stages of making a film, from the initial idea through to completion. Visitors were able to gain a better understanding of the different roles played by a film crew, as well as appreciate the richness and complementarity of the professions that make up this creative ecosystem.
Over the course of the day, everyone had the opportunity to try out a number of different disciplines. In Lyon, the emphasis was on the fundamentals of audiovisual production, with introductions to the preparation of a shoot, in particular by going through a script and drawing up a work plan. Participants were also able to handle professional equipment, discover the basics of shooting and sound, and try their hand at filming situations close to real-life conditions. This practical approach enabled them to come to terms with the technical demands of the job, while developing an initial understanding of the issues involved in the field.
The morning in Lyon was also marked by a high point for discussion and reflection, with a conference hosted by the Filmoramax International Short Film Festival. Entitled “Setting up a creative project without a network or a budget: myth or reality”, this talk addressed a central issue for many aspiring creators. Through an interactive discussion, the speakers deconstructed a number of preconceived ideas while sharing practical tips on how to get started today, even with limited resources. The event resonated particularly well with the audience, providing realistic and accessible answers to questions that are often seen as obstacles.
In Nantes, the experience was distinguished by a broader opening onto the artistic and creative dimensions of cinema. Visitors were able to learn about acting, discover the subtleties of casting direction and experiment with dubbing, an often overlooked but essential part of the audiovisual industry. The event also provided an opportunity to delve into the world of lighting, costumes and visual effects, all of which play a part in shaping the aesthetics of a film. This diversity of workshops provided a concrete illustration of the variety of career paths available in the industry.
In addition to the workshops, discussions with the teaching teams and students were a highlight of the day. Participants were able to ask questions, get advice and gain a better understanding of the realities of training and career opportunities. These discussions helped to demystify the film professions, which are often perceived as difficult to get into, by highlighting the career paths, skills and commitment needed to progress in this field.
This immersion was rounded off by screenings of student productions, offering a concrete insight into the know-how developed at the school. These films allowed visitors to see the results of the collaborative work carried out by the students, while discovering the diversity of styles and artistic universes explored. For many, these screenings were a further source of inspiration, revealing the creative potential offered by a course dedicated to cinema.
The day fully achieved its objective of enabling the public to discover, experiment and project themselves. By providing access to professional tools and encouraging an active approach, CinéCréatis offered an immersive experience that went beyond mere information. It enabled participants to gain a better understanding of the realities of the audiovisual sector and to identify the different routes open to them.
For some participants, the immersion was a real wake-up call. By coming face-to-face with the practices and demands of the field, they were able to confirm their interest, and even spark a vocation. It was a tangible reminder that the film industry, while demanding, remains accessible to all those who wish to invest themselves fully in it.
On the strength of its success, this event is a key opportunity for people to find out more about training and careers in the film industry, and demonstrates the importance of offering real-life experiences to help future talent find their bearings.