Introduction to ESRA New York

The ESRA New York program is a one-year intensive course located in the heart of Manhattan, entirely taught in English by professionals and teachers from American faculties. This program is designed for students who wish to work on international productions.

Program Overview

The program is divided into three periods:

1. First period: A semester of courses, practical work, and writing workshops with professionals and teachers from American faculties.
2. Second period: Preparation and shooting of a short film in partnership with ARRI Rentals in professional conditions, entirely in English, with an American cast, ending with a screening in a New York cinema in front of a jury composed of professionals.
3. Third period: A minimum of two months of internship in any American state (California, Florida, New York, for example).

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Conceive, produce, and direct complete audiovisual works, integrating image and sound
• Master the tools and techniques of production according to American standards
• Create and integrate sound universes adapted to cinematographic and audiovisual projects
• Collaborate within multicultural and international teams
• Evolve in the sectors of cinema, television, sound, streaming platforms, or independent creation

Why Choose ESRA New York?

• Exceptional insertion rate: 85% of graduates are in position one year after school
• Film student film: bought by TF1!
• A campus bringing together: all the professions of the audiovisual industry - Cinema, Sound, and Animation
• Pro events: for students all year round!

Testimonials from Graduates

The ESRA has offered me many opportunities in the American film industry! From creating my professional network in New York to learning the entire process of shooting and producing films in the United States, this program has allowed me to progress as a camera assistant and become more versatile.

I had the opportunity to work with Sony Entertainment, HBO, Chanel, Louis Vuitton... thanks to the ESRA!

Student Films

• The Sky Queen: Simon Maignan - ESRA New York 2015
• Phillie's Dinner: Jean-Baptiste Moisy - ESRA NY 2020
• KAIJU: R幦i Thevenart - ESRA New York 2019
• CUCUMBER: Haichuan Xu - ESRA New York 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the ESRA diploma recognized by the State?: Yes, all initial training courses offered by ESRA are recognized by the Ministry of Education and Research at the Bac+3 level for ESRA Cinema, ESRA Sound, and ESRA Animation, and at the Bac+5 level for the DHEC Sc幯ario & R嶧lisation and the DHEC Production. It is a diploma equivalent to a license.
• How to integrate ESRA?: You must submit an application file on the esra.edu/je-candidate platform, complete the requested information, choose your exam date, and pass the tests. Admission commissions take place every month. In case of admission, you can pre-register from November.
• How much does ESRA cost?: The rates for each training course are indicated in the brochures. ESRA awards more than 100,000 euros in scholarships and welcomes each year more than 25% of scholarship holders. Students are also eligible for CROUS scholarships because the diploma is recognized by the State, as well as Housing Assistance.

About ESRA

ESRA has been training professionals in the film, audiovisual, and sound industries for over 40 years. With campuses in Paris, C矌e d'Azur, Bretagne, Bruxelles, and New York, ESRA offers a unique learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The school's faculty consists of experienced professionals who are actively working in the industry, providing students with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

ESRA's Mission

ESRA's mission is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the film, audiovisual, and sound industries. The school's curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and hands-on, covering all aspects of film and audiovisual production, from screenwriting and directing to sound design and post-production.

ESRA's Values

ESRA values creativity, innovation, and professionalism. The school encourages students to think outside the box and push the boundaries of their creativity, while also emphasizing the importance of technical skills and attention to detail. ESRA's faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a supportive and stimulating learning environment that fosters growth and success.

Conclusion

The ESRA New York program is a unique and exciting opportunity for students to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the film, audiovisual, and sound industries. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, ESRA provides students with a world-class education that prepares them for a successful career in the industry. Whether you're interested in film, television, sound, or animation, ESRA has a program that can help you achieve your goals.

Overview:

ESRA (École Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle) is France's leading private film and audiovisual school, founded in 1972. Ranked number one among film schools recommended by industry professionals according to the Figaro 2025 ranking, ESRA has spent over 50 years training the talent behind France's most recognized film, television, sound and animation productions.

ESRA is a family-run institution led by the Azoulay family across three generations, with a long-term commitment to each cohort of students. The school continuously adapts its curriculum to keep pace with industry evolutions, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence on production workflows.

Alumni track record

More than 15,000 audiovisual professionals have graduated from ESRA since 1972. The alumni network includes over 55 César nominations, 1 Oscar, 2 Grammy Awards, and selections at the Festival de Cannes and the Venice Film Festival (Mostra). ESRA alumni have worked on productions for Canal+, Arte and TF1, contributed sound work on recordings by Daft Punk, Beyoncé, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar and Orelsan, and produced VFX and animation for major international productions.

Accreditation and recognition

All initial training programs at ESRA are recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Undergraduate programs are validated at Bac+3 level (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree), and master's-level programs at Bac+5. ESRA holds Qualiopi certification for all professional training courses. The school is also part of the Erasmus+ program and its international programs are recognized by the People's Republic of China.

ESRA is the first ARRI-certified school in France, meaning students train on the same professional camera systems used on actual productions worldwide.

Campuses

ESRA operates across five campuses in France and Europe, each fully equipped with professional-grade production and post-production facilities:

• Paris: in the heart of the French capital
• Côte d'Azur: between Nice and Cannes, at the heart of the southern French film industry
• Bretagne: in Rennes, in a dynamic regional creative hub
• Bruxelles: in the European capital, under the Brussels campus
• New York: in Manhattan, offering English-language film and sound programs

Every campus is equipped with multi-station post-production suites, a professional camera inventory including Sony FS7, Sony F55 and ARRI ALEXA 35 cameras, recording equipment, microphones, portable computers, and the latest versions of industry-standard software for cinema, sound and animation.

Three fields of specialization

• Cinema and television: directing, producing, editing
• Sound and music: audiovisual sound, live sound reinforcement, music recording, radio and video game audio
• 3D animation: animation, compositing, VFX, modeling, and production management for film and television

International reach

Since 2019, ESRA has offered English-language programs open to students from around the world. These programs carry State recognition and are equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in countries including the United States, Australia and across Europe. Notable international partnerships include collaboration with MBC Group (a major Middle Eastern media group) to train young Saudi professionals, a partnership with Parsons The New School for Design since 2022, and an official partnership with the Beijing Film Academy formalized in November 2024.

Commitments and values

• Inclusion and equal opportunity: 25% of students receive bursaries each year, supported by an active scholarship policy worth over 100,000 euros annually; students are also eligible for CROUS grants and housing aid
• Gender parity and diversity: ESRA supports the Collectif 50/50 for gender parity in the audiovisual industry and Divé+, an association founded by alumni to promote diversity on screen and behind the camera
• Ecology: ESRA is a member of EcoProd, integrates carbon footprint measurement tools into production training, and conducts an annual carbon audit in partnership with Greenly; the school recycles over 400 kg of waste per year through Les Joyeux Recycleurs
• Social engagement: since 2017, students have made films with children in care homes, with screenings held at the Grand Rex in Paris
• Quality and ethics: Qualiopi-certified for professional training; signatory of the CPF Ethics Charter in partnership with Les Acteurs de la Compétence

Student life and events

Throughout the academic year, ESRA organizes masterclasses with leading French and international filmmakers, screenings with César-nominated directors, the 48h ESRA filmmaking challenge, a student cinema club, ESRADIO (a student radio station), and an annual student film showcase. Student work has been broadcast on TF1 and screened at international festivals.

Professional training

Beyond initial degree programs, ESRA offers a full range of professional continuing education through its DIXIT department, covering career transitions, software and equipment certification, and advanced specialist training for industry professionals.

Why ESRA

1. France's top-ranked film school by industry professionals, according to the Figaro 2025 ranking
2. State-recognized diplomas at Bac+3 and Bac+5, eligible for CROUS grants and housing support
3. The only ARRI-certified school in France, with professional-grade equipment on every campus
4. A network of over 15,000 alumni active across film, television, music, animation and VFX
5. Five campuses in France and Europe, plus a New York campus in Manhattan
6. Programs in both French and English, with international recognition including China
7. A family-run institution with a 50-year track record of adapting to industry change