New York one-year filmmaking program
An intensive one-year program in the heart of New York, taught entirely in English by professionals and teachers from American faculties, for students wishing to work on international productions.
The One year Filmmaking program
The ESRA New York Program - Film Directing and Directing the Actor offers a year of study in New York, in the heart of Manhattan, divided into three periods.
First period: a semester of courses, practical work and writing workshops with professionals and teachers from American universities.
Second period: preparation and shooting of a short film in partnership with ARRI Rentals under professional conditions, entirely in English, with an American cast, culminating in a screening of the films produced in a New York cinema before a jury of professionals.
Third period: a two-month internship in any U.S. state (California, Florida, New York, for example).
Learn to work with American industry standards
This immersive program, offered in three options (film, sound, animation), prepares students to enter the U.S. market by learning the methods of American industry. Entirely taught in English, it is supervised by working professionals and teachers from prestigious universities, and backed by solid professional partnerships.
In cinema, students take part in real-life filmmaking, from writing to post-production. With the support of partners such as ARRI RENTALS, they experience every stage of production, and gain valuable industry experience.
In sound, students work on film and music production. Accompanied by partners such as Manhattan Beach Records, they confront the demands of professional productions and hone their technical and artistic skills.
Key features of the program
Direction and staging
Learn how to shoot, direct and cut according to American standards.
Production and project management
Planning, financing, organizing and managing audiovisual projects.
Post-production and editing
Picture and sound editing, color grading, final mixing and professional workflows.
Script and writing
Script development in English.
Sound recording and sound design
Techniques for capturing, creating ambiences, mixing and integrating sound into audiovisual productions.
Masterclasses and workshops
Meetings with directors, screenwriters, producers and sound engineers working in the American industry.
Skills acquired during the program
You will be able to:
Design, produce and direct complete audiovisual works, integrating image and sound
Create and integrate sound worlds adapted to film and audiovisual projects
Evolve in the film, television, sound, streaming platforms or independent creation sectors
Mastering production tools and techniques according to American standards
Work in multicultural and international teams
Get started now
Why choose the New York Filmmaking program ?
Exceptional employment rate
85% of graduates employed one year after graduation
Student Films
produced in New York City !
A campus
located in Manhattan
Networking events
for students all year round!
JOIN THE BEST FILM SCHOOL IN FRANCE
ESRA ranks first private film and audiovisual schools in France according to Le Figaro Étudiant's 2025 ranking.
NYC Program sponsor :
Louis Leterrier
Sponsor of the ESRA New York program, Masterclass instructor
"ESRA, is a great school in France, whose quality I know from having worked with many alumni on several of my films."
Louis Leterrier, director, producer :
- Fast & Furious X
- Lupin
- Dark Crystals
- The Transporter
- Danny the Dog
- The Incredible Hulk
- The takedown (Netflix)
- Clash of the Titans
- Now You See Me (Elusive)
- Grimsby
Film Studies in New York
- High end Educational Training
- Structured, Guided Career Paths
- Degree granting programs
- Louis Leterrier Pro Coaching
- Join a 15000+ Alumni Community
- Premium Masterclasses
- Professional film set Experience in NYC
- Build a strong portfolio of short films
...and much more. Unlock the complete ecosystem designed to build your film career.
Turn the ordinary into something remarkable. Notice every subtle detail. And carry your vision through with unwavering discipline.
What happens after ESRA ?
Our alumni work with companies such as Gaumont, Pathé, Canal+, Netflix, TF1, FTV, RMC, BFM, WEBEDIA, TRANSPAMEDIA, as well as independent studios and production companies.
A school available to everyone :
Apply for esra scholarships !
Studying at ESRA means accessing excellent training in the fields of audiovisual and it's also possible without financial obstacles.
ESRA offers scholarships and payment plans to allow future filmmakers to find the right program.
A campus in the heart of Manhattan
Since 2008, ESRA has been offering its students and international students the opportunity to pursue an optional 4ᵉ year in New York, in partnership with Stonestreet Studios, right in the heart of Manhattan.
Start your journey today
Download the brochure and get information about events and programs updates.
What our 15.000+ alumni are saying...
These filmmakers were once where you are: skilled and ambitious, but looking for the path forward. Hear in their own words how the right school and a dedicated community made all the difference.
The ESRA program has helped me enormously in developing my technical skills, thanks to its partnership with ARRI Rental, and it has also helped me gain confidence.
Loïse Alter
ESRA New York 2022
For me, ESRA was a real gateway to the American film industry, and a privileged opportunity to meet and work alongside industry professionals. I hadn't planned, or even imagined, living and working in New York when I started the ESRA NY program, but the city won me over. The school helped me understand how to get there, and I've been living there for almost nine years now.
Alice Boucherie
ESRA New York 2017
ESRA is, above all, about encounters, people who lent me a hand and helped me carry LED panels! It's quite curious to think that chance encounters shape a destiny, especially when you have a taste for cinema and doing things well. I found my path thanks to ESRA.
Romain Guimmara
ESRA filmmaking 2021
The ESRA program is a fantastic opportunity to enter the American film and music industry. All teaching staff are working professionals, fully aware of the current state of the industry, new technologies and professional practices in the United States.
Michael Hardy Falch
ESRA New York 2024
Three years rich in human and professional experience. I had the chance to work with wonderful people and to be well supported. We experienced a real group adventure, with intense projects. Thank you to ESRA and to all those who crossed my path.
Emilien Lelabourier
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Thanks to you, I have grown. I understood who I am. Understood what I wanted to be. All of this allowed me to write my film, "Cette Nuit à Offeu," which would be nothing today without the prodigious advice of some, and the immense will that you all demonstrated during its selection.
François Gaudière
ESRA filmmaking 2024
For me, joining ESRA was an incredible opportunity. Thanks to all the courses we took, we were very well prepared. We learned all the essential terminology in the different departments: machinery, lighting, camera and production.
Hippolyte Charlut
ESRA New york 2024
ESRA offered me many opportunities in the American film industry. From building my professional network in New York to learning the whole process of shooting and producing films in the U.S. , this program enabled me to progress as a camera assistant and become more versatile. I've had the opportunity to work with Sony Entertainment, HBO, Chanel, Louis Vuitton... thanks to ESRA!
Hugo Boucard
ESRA New York 2024
The school allowed me to familiarize myself with professional equipment that is difficult to access outside of a specialized environment. I benefited from both theoretical and practical instruction, supervised by professors and speakers from the industry, in conditions close to the professional world. This training also offered me the opportunity to explore different audiovisual professions, which helped me refine my career choices.
Nathan Hourbeigt
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Our student movies
Got a question ?
ARE ESRA DEGREES RECOGNIZED ?
Yes, the programs offered by ESRA are recognized by the French Ministry of Education and Research at Bachelor level and at postgraduate level, they give access to French CROUS scholarships, deliver ECTS credits and offer an international academic recognition.
The ESRA NYC Program offers a BPSS certification : ESRA FDDA.
How do I join ESRA ?
To become an ESRA student you must submit an application online on the application page, then choose your exam date and take the entrance exam. Admissions committees meet every month. If you are accepted, you can pre-register as early as November.
How much does ESRA cost ?
Prices for each course are given in the brochures. ESRA grants over 100,000 euros in scholarships and welcomes over 25% of scholarship holders each year. Students are also eligible for CROUS grants, as the degree is recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, and for housing subsidies.
What equipment is available at ESRA ?
Each ESRA campus has post-production and multi-station rooms equipped with powerful computers and the latest dedicated softwares, whether for film, sound or animation. In addition, each campus has an equipment shop containing a range of cameras, from HD Nikon and Canon to Sony FS7 and F55, and each school has an ARRI ALEXA 35 camera and numerous camera accessories, monitors and so on. They also have a wide range of microphones, recorders, plug-ins and laptops available for students to train with outside of class hours all year round. This is one of the school's strong points.
What is ESRA International Film School ?
ESRA International Film School is Europe’s leading specialized school to study filmmaking, offering filmmaking programs of excellence since 1972.
Choose from bachelor’s, master’s, and short filmmaking programs tailored for study filmmaking abroad seekers, blending French film heritage with cutting-edge techniques. ESRA Alumni network of 15000+ audiovisual professionals incldues industry leaders as well as award winning filmmakers. The school thrives in Europe’s and American vibrant film scene, making ESRA a top choice among filmmaking schools worldwide.
Who can join ESRA Filmmaking Programs ?
ESRA’s film programs target aspiring filmmakers at different career stages, primarily international students seeking Film programs in English. These programs emphasize hands-on skills in directing, production, and technical roles for cinema and audiovisual industries.
BA in Film
This three-year bachelor’s program suits high school graduates or equivalent (post-baccalauréat level), including French and international students passionate about storytelling. No prior knowledge in Film is necessary to apply.
MFA in Film
The two-year postgraduate MFA targets holders of a bachelor’s degree, focusing on foreign students advancing in screenwriting, directing, and professional short film production. It appeals to those deepening theoretical and practical expertise for global industry integration.
Summer Programs
These two-week intensives draw aspiring filmmakers worldwide, including college students and adults with basic interest but no prior experience required. They offer introductory workshops in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing for immersive, short-term skill-building .
One-Year Filmmaking Programs
Designed for those with some filmmaking background, this intensive suits post-bac or experienced learners seeking core skills in production without a full degree commitment. It targets motivated individuals aiming for quick professional entry in film and TV.
Take your filmmaking to the next level
Find out more about the school, programs, campuses, facilities, and career paths of those who have chosen it, personalized coaching sessions with industry experts, and a vibrant global community of filmmakers.