In 1975, Pierre Ayma launched the first courses in animation cinema within the framework of the Center for Technological Education of C.C.I., on Boulevard St. Marcel in Paris. That's where I met him, when I came to present my portfolio in hopes of being accepted as a student. I was scared to death to find myself once again in a moderately engaging scholastic milieu, but Pierre was quick to reassure me, and took me to the spaces designated for the future students.

Aside from the animation desks that were flagrantly new, the rest of the material consisted of "pegbars" borrowed from the Center's printing department, an animation stand tinkered together from metal corners, a camera borrowed from a colleague, and a 16mm projector of Biblical age. That is how I began my education, together with seven other true believers, under the benevolent encouragement of Pierre. Over two years, the respect that we had for him transformed into camaraderie and friendship. Thanks to his enthusiasm, he knew how to create not only a motivated team but also a group of good friends. During that time Pierre upgraded the equipment. The first editing table appeared soon, then a genuine animation stand, etc... You should see what kind of equipment the students get today! Also Pierre involved professional animators in our education, and arranged regular visits between them and us.

Pierre Ayma, not content to manage his animation department, never feared to give aid and counsel to his flock. More than one student, me among them, took little jobs to survive, in the studios or elsewhere, thanks to him. He pushed me to take my first job at Hanna-Barbera Cartoons in the United States, and when I returned, convinced the director of a Parisian studio to hire me.

His pugnacity, his rigor in his work and what he expects of others, was seasoned with a dose of cold humor, or completely off the wall behavior when the opportunity presented itself... or sometimes even if it didn't! After our education was completed, the good relationship between us continued through friendly visits to the CFT where we would exchange news, and in the better moments, when he had the time, it would border on sophisticated insults which would leave us bent double with laughter and tears running from our eyes on both sides of his desk. Under his cane have passed many neophytes. He actively participated in all the important moments in French animation, and lost his health doing so.

Animation has lost one of its most solid pillars, and we have lost a pal.

Yves-Charles Fercoq
Animator
Student from the first year at CFT Gobelins (1975)

Drawing by Pierre Lambert April 1998