It became official at the beginning of April: the 3iS Paris campus, through its 2D/3D Animation program, has joined the RECA. Becoming part of this network means entering a circle of high standards, professional dialogue, and pedagogical quality recognized across the entire industry. 3iS is now entering a probationary year, a key step that precedes full accreditation. It is a rigorous process, in line with the expectations of the network the school is now part of.
What is RECA?
Four letters that stand for Réseau des Écoles de Cinéma d’Animation (Network of Animation Film Schools) — the national reference for training in animation and VFX. A non-profit association under French law, RECA is supported by the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée) as well as major professional unions in the industry. The network currently brings together more than thirty schools (in mainland France and overseas territories) and over seventy training programs.
RECA’s mission is clear:
- Ensure transparency of educational data
- Foster dialogue between schools and studios
- Better prepare students for employment in a constantly evolving industry
How do schools join RECA?
Membership in RECA is not automatic. Existing member schools vote to accept or reject any new candidate after a thorough review of its application. This peer-based system is precisely what ensures the credibility of the network and the consistency of its members.
The four main admission criteria are:
- Educational quality: alignment of teaching with current standards in the animation film industry
- Professional integration: demonstrated strong links with key industry players and studios
- Transparency of data: clear communication on outcomes, career paths, and teaching practices
- Continuous development: the ability to adapt programs to the ongoing changes in the sector
Integration is also gradual: a probationary year precedes full accreditation, giving the school time to demonstrate the consistency and quality of its commitments over time.
A key milestone for 3iS Paris
The Paris campus of 3iS, and more specifically its 2D/3D Animation program, has officially joined RECA. This is concrete recognition of the work carried out by the teaching teams, and a strong signal addressed both to students and industry professionals.
This achievement is the result of extensive work led by Alexandre Baduel, Director of Studies for the Animation Department, along with the entire teaching team, to structure and strengthen the animation program through a continuous quality-driven approach.
What does this mean for animation students?
In practical terms, this membership brings:
- Greater visibility and recognition of the program among animation professionals
- Easier access to a national network of schools and industry stakeholders
- Increased opportunities for meetings, exchanges, and professional collaborations
- A curriculum aligned with current and evolving industry standards
- Stronger consistency between teaching content and studio expectations
By joining RECA, 3iS Paris becomes part of a collective dynamic: a network of schools that share approaches, enrich each other’s programs, and maintain an ongoing dialogue with industry professionals. For students, it provides additional assurance that their training is recognized, evaluated, and continuously improving.
“Joining RECA means affirming our commitment to delivering a demanding training program, closely connected to real industry practice and constantly evolving.”
