Introduction to ESRA University Programs

ESRA University offers a range of programs in the fields of cinema, audiovisual, music, and animation. The university's mission is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in these industries.

Programs Offered

• ESRA Cin幦a: A three-year diploma program in cinema and television.
• ESRA Son: A three-year diploma program in sound, music, cinema, and video game production.
• ESRA Animation: A three-year diploma program in 3D animation for cinema and television.
• Bachelor Filmmaking: A three-year diploma program in filmmaking.
• DHEC Sc幯ario & R嶧lisation: A two-year master's program in screenwriting and directing.
• DHEC Production & Distribution: A two-year master's program in production and distribution.
• MFA Filmmaking: A two-year master's program in filmmaking.
• ESRA New York: A one-year program in cinema and sound production.

Admission Criteria

Admission to ESRA University programs is based on a combination of factors, including academic performance, creative potential, and personal motivation. Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work, a personal statement, and transcripts from previous academic institutions.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for ESRA University programs vary depending on the program and the student's country of origin. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid packages to help students fund their studies.

Research Areas

ESRA University has a strong research focus, with faculty members and students working on a range of projects in the fields of cinema, audiovisual, music, and animation. Research areas include film production, screenwriting, directing, sound design, and animation techniques.

Facilities and Equipment

ESRA University has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including film and television studios, sound recording studios, and animation labs. Students have access to a range of industry-standard software and hardware, including cameras, lighting and sound equipment, and post-production facilities.

Alumni and Industry Connections

ESRA University has a strong network of alumni and industry connections, with many graduates going on to work in the film, television, and music industries. The university also has partnerships with a range of industry organizations and companies, providing students with opportunities for internships, work experience, and job placement.

ESRA Talents Program

The ESRA Talents program is a national initiative aimed at supporting and promoting young talent in the fields of cinema, audiovisual, music, and animation. The program offers scholarships, mentorship, and industry connections to selected students, as well as a range of other benefits and opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ESRA Talents program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

• Being a student at ESRA University
• Demonstrating creative potential and talent in their field
• Showing a commitment to their studies and a passion for the industry
• Meeting certain academic and personal requirements

Application Process

The application process for the ESRA Talents program involves submitting a portfolio of work, a personal statement, and transcripts from previous academic institutions. Applicants must also complete an online application form and pay a application fee.

Benefits and Opportunities

The ESRA Talents program offers a range of benefits and opportunities to selected students, including:

• Scholarships and financial aid
• Mentorship and industry connections
• Access to exclusive events and workshops
• Opportunities for internships and work experience
• A range of other benefits and opportunities

Conclusion

ESRA University offers a range of programs in the fields of cinema, audiovisual, music, and animation, with a strong focus on research, industry connections, and student success. The ESRA Talents program provides additional support and opportunities to selected students, helping them to achieve their goals and succeed in their chosen field.

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