A four-week intensive program in the heart of Paris
The ESRA Paris Summer Program has just come to a close. For four weeks, participants from around the world experienced every stage of film production, from the first draft of the screenplay to the final mix. It was a complete immersion in the film industry, conducted entirely in English, in the heart of the French capital.
This short, intensive program is designed for both students and enthusiasts who want to explore filmmaking, with no technical prerequisites. In just a few weeks, each participant will leave with hands-on set experience and a completed short film ready to add to their portfolio.
A process designed like a full-scale production
The program follows the process of a professional film production, from theory to the set. The first two weeks are devoted to training through workshops on screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and post-production. During this time, participants learn the fundamentals of the language of film.
The third week marks the transition to hands-on practice, with a supervised shoot of a short film using professional equipment in a real-world on-set environment. The final week wraps up the course with the full range of post-production work: editing, color grading, and sound mixing.
The program concludes with a film screening and a certificate presentation ceremony, attended by the participants and the production teams.
An international and collaborative experience
Beyond technical skills, the Summer Program fosters what makes careers in film so unique: teamwork. Working together on shared projects, participants learn to collaborate, take initiative, and bring a shared vision to the screen.
Conducted in English, the program brings together students from several countries in a multicultural environment that reflects the reality of international film productions. Film, sound, and animation are all housed on the same campus, offering a comprehensive overview of the audiovisual industry.
Why Choose the ESRA Summer Program
Founded in 1972, ESRA is one of France’s leading film schools and boasts a network of more than 15,000 alumni working in the industry. The Summer Program offers participants the opportunity to explore this ecosystem through a short-term program, with guidance from working professionals and access to professional-grade equipment.
At the end of the program, each participant leaves with an ESRA certificate, a short film they have directed, and an initial immersion in one of the major hubs of European cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ESRA Summer Program
How long does the ESRA Summer Program last? The program lasts four weeks. It takes place in July, with two sessions each year.
Do you need prior experience in filmmaking to enroll? No. The program is open to both beginners and those with intermediate experience. There are no technical prerequisites.
In what language is the program taught? The entire Summer Program is taught in English.
What do participants do during the program? Each participant contributes to the writing, filming, and post-production of a short film, shot using professional equipment and suitable for inclusion in a portfolio.
Is the Summer Program available at other campuses? Yes. In addition to Paris, the program is offered at the campuses in Nice, Cannes, Brussels, and New York.
Want to take part next summer? Learn more about ESRA's Summer Program and apply online.
