ESRA Filmmaking programs
For over 50 years, ESRA has been preparing students for careers in film, television, sound, and animation. Our state-approved programs combine theory, intensive practical training, real-world projects, professional guidance, and immersion in the realities of the field.
Our filmmaking programs
ESRA International offers a state recognized International Filmmaking programs in Paris and the Côte d’Azur composed of lectures, workshops, short film projects and professional internships.
Postgraduate Filmmaking Program (MFA)
Degree-granting postgraduate program in Film in Paris including professional film productions each year.
BFA in Filmmaking
3 year degree-granting Filmmaking Bachelor program in Paris and Cannes including film productions each year.
One year Filmmaking Program in New York City
Perfect your skills to prepare to enter the professional world of film and television in the USA
Summer programs
Beginner to intermediate summer programs in July to experience a pro-level short film production in a major film capital.
Why choose ESRA Filmmaking programs ?
Le Figaro ranked ESRA as the top private school in July 2025 in an independent ranking, reflecting the high employment rate of our graduates, their recognition within the industry, and the quality of our equipment and teaching staff.
Exceptional employment rate
85% of graduates employed one year after graduation
Student Film
at the end of studies purchased
by TF1!
A campus bringing together
all audiovisual professions Cinema, Sound, and Animation
Professional events
for students throughout the year!
Our Campuses
Three campuses in Paris, Cannes, and New York, covering all aspects of the film and audiovisual industries
ESRA Paris
ESRA Cannes
ESRA Brussels
ESRA New York
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.
With great emotion, I remember myself in the first year at ESRA, working on my first projects and meeting such talented people. The student union also contributed so much to us. Thank you to the entire teaching team who always supported my professional project and to all the people who pushed me to be better.
Laurie Cauffet
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Thank you to this incredible graduating class, to Jennifer, to Mr. Bonnot, and to the teachers for their support. We grew together throughout this adventure. I am proud of what we have accomplished. I hope we will meet again in the future, united by our shared passion.
Léa Hué
ESRA filmmaking 2024
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
I've tried numerous online learning platforms, but none compare to this LMS site. The courses are top-notch, instructors engaging, and the platform is incredibly user-friendly. I've expanded my skills and knowledge.
Julian Ranaivo
ESRA filmmaking 2022
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
These years at ISTS have been an exciting immersion. We collaborated, learned, and shared powerful moments. Thank you to everyone I worked with. I found more than just classmates; I found true friends. I am proud of this collective journey.
Mathias Baillou
ESRA filmmaking 2022
One of my fondest memories of ESRA is the equipment available and the fact that I was able to do live TV, which gave me the impression of working for an international channel. It was an experience that taught me how to manage my career as a live TV producer, and how to manage a team of 80 people.
Maxence Carion
ESRA filmmaking Director
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
Got a question ?
Is the ESRA degree recognized by the State ?
Yes, all the initial Programs offered by ESRA are recognized by the French Ministry of Education and Research at Bachelor (Bac+3) level for ESRA Filmmaking, ESRA Sound and ESRA Animation, and at Postgraduate (Bac+5) level for the MFA Filmmaking ,DHEC Screenwriting & Directing and DHEC Production. This diploma is equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
How do I join ESRA ?
You must submit an application on the platform esra.edu/je-candidatefill in the required information, choose your exam date and take the tests. 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 government, 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 software, whether for film, sound or animation. In addition, each campus has an equipment room 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 to students all year round. This is one of the school's strong points.
Who are ESRA's alumni ?
Over 15,000 audiovisual professionals have graduated from ESRA since its creation in 1972. Check out our alumni page to discover some of our most memorable achievements, including 47 César nominations, an Oscar win, two Grammy Awards, selections at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, song production for Daft Punk, Beyonce, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Big Flo et Oli and Orelsan, VFX and animation on some of the world's biggest films, and many other professional and public accolades.
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.