Ranked No. 1 among private schools in the
, according to the 2026 Le Figaro Étudiant rankings
+15.000 alumni
in the industry
degree
state-approved
+55 International awards
, César, Oscar, Grammy
Ranked No. 1 among private schools in the
, according to the 2026 Le Figaro Étudiant rankings
+15 000 alumni
in the industry
degree
state-approved
+55 International awards
, César, Oscar, Grammy
Program Presentation
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 minimum 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.
In animation, students design and produce an original animated film. This immersion, supported by collaborations with industry players, enables them to master every stage of production and prepare for their future careers in international studios.
Join us!
Training content
Direction and staging
Learn how to shoot, direct and cut according to American standards.
Script and writing
Script development in English.
Production and project management
Planning, financing, organizing and managing audiovisual projects.
Sound recording and sound design
Techniques for capturing, creating ambiences, mixing and integrating sound into audiovisual productions.
Post-production and editing
Picture and sound editing, color grading, final mixing and professional workflows.
Masterclasses and workshops
Meetings with directors, screenwriters, producers and sound engineers working in the American industry.
By the end of the program
You will be able to:
Design, produce and direct complete audiovisual works, integrating image and sound
Mastering production tools and techniques according to American standards
Create and integrate sound worlds adapted to film and audiovisual projects
Work in multicultural and international teams
Evolve in the film, television, sound, streaming platforms or independent creation sectors
Why choose
ESRA New York?
Le Figaro Étudiant ranked ESRA as the top private school in 2026 for the second consecutive year in an independent ranking, reflecting our graduates’ strong employment rate, their recognition within the industry, and the quality of our facilities and faculty.
Exceptional insertion rate
85% of graduates employed one year after graduation
Student film
purchased
by TF1!
A campus combining
all audiovisual professions Film, Sound and Animation
business events
for students all year round!
Download the ESRA New York brochure
Join over 15,000 alumni who have already mastered the film industry.
What Happens After ESRA?
Our alumni collaborate with companies such as Gaumont, Pathé, Canal+, Netflix, TF1, FTV, RMC, BFM, WEBEDIA, TRANSPAMEDIA, as well as independent studios and productions.
Join the 25% of our students who receive scholarships.
Studying at ESRA means accessing an outstanding education in the fields of filmmaking, sound, and 3D animation. And it's also possible without financial obstacles.
ESRA offers scholarships and payment plans in partnership with the school and affiliated banks.
Contact us to learn more about financial aid.
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.
Alumni testimonials
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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.
Beyond the training itself, it's also a great way to immerse yourself in New York culture and enjoy a unique experience.
Michael Hardy Falch
ESRA New York 2024
★★★★★
Student films
The Sky Queen
Phillie's Dinner
KAIJU
CUCUMBER
Do you have any questions?
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.