3iS first opened its doors in 1988 when it was founded by former students of IDHEC (the forerunner of FEMIS) and École Nationale Supérieure Louis Lumière at a time when the development of television began requiring extensive training of skilled professionals in the film, audiovisual, and sound professions. As such, 3iS positioned itself for engaged learning that is centered on the student, whilst aspiring to cultivate creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
In 2007, 3iS was taken over by Jean-Claude Walter, a senior civil servant who previously worked for the prefecture, the City of Paris, and the French Ministry of Culture. His leadership was instrumental in transforming 3iS into the success it has become today. The heart of the School’s curriculum remains rooted in its original mission providing courses covering the technical professions in the film, audiovisual and sound industries. Our academic programs supply the tools necessary for directing, editing, image, production, assistantship, image sound, music sound, and sound reinforcement. We now also offer programs, which gear students up for careers in animation, video games, motion design, communication, and the performing arts.
The infrastructure of 3iS is designed to accommodate creativity. Our main campus is located in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, within close proximity of Versailles and about 35 kilometers from central Paris, where our facilities have continued to grow over the past 35 years, now taking up almost 17,000 m² of teaching space in 3 buildings. The campus is comprised of a theater arts stage, a 300-seat screening room, a movie set, and a student residence with 200 apartments. 3iS is one of the few private universities in France, which has a student residence, being a huge convenience for students wishing to live on campus. Today 3iS continues to expand with four other campuses established in Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, and Avignon, also offering exceptional premises and learning conditions.
3iS currently welcomes 2,500 students with key developments on:
Cultural and geographical accessibility: We have campuses all over France, in major cultural and student friendly cities: Paris region (Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, and Avignon;
Creative professional development: Our experts monitor and study developments in the cultural and creative sectors to offer programs that are always at cutting-edge of the needs of recruiting companies.
Strengthening our international focus: 3iS has crafted specific educational programs to facilitate the integration of international students. In addition to our programs taught in French, we have developed bachelors and masters in English. There are more than 50 different nationalities represented on our 5 campuses. 3iS is also host to international competitions and frequently develops new partnerships around the world. It is one of our main priorities at 3iS to ensure the well-being of our students, and especially our international students, many of whom are coming to France for the first time.
Job placement: 3iS is recognized for its strong commitment to its students whilst assisting with their professional development and integration into the work force. More than 90% of our students find employment upon graduation.
Over the years, 3iS has established itself as the only film, audiovisual and sound school in France to offer diplomas approved by the French Ministry of Higher Education and professional qualifications registered with the French Government (Répertoire National de Certification Professionnelle / France Compétences).
