French cinema commands a calm and solid influence around the world. In 2013, France was the second largest producer of films in the world behind the United States.
Currently, France’s cinema is the most successful in Europe in terms of the number of movies produced annually.
Coming to Paris, the city has the most number of movie theaters per inhabitant. In a nutshell, the film industry in France is big.
Based on these, it makes sense if you’re planning to study cinema in France.
Fortunately, film schools in Paris and France, in general, are considered some of the best on the planet.
What You Will Learn In Film Schools in France
Basically, you will be learning the fundamentals of movie making – producing, directing, screenwriting, post-production, cinematography, sound, and some other topics.
Film schools usually provide a wide range of degree programs, such as master’s degrees, conservatory programs, associate and bachelor’s degrees.
In film school, you should study core topics that encompass all parts of making a movie, from getting money to finding the right prop.
If you select a more restricted specialty, like production, many universities also offer degree programs that are more specialized, both graduate and undergraduate.
Programs in acting, animation, and digital arts may also be available at film schools.
While some film schools run independently, others are a part of larger universities.
Major Courses Covered In Film Schools
- Producing
In this area, you will learn, as a filmmaker, how to develop movie scripts, supervise the film budget, and raise funds for the film project.
- Directing
In film directing, you will be taught how to turn the movie on paper that is script into a film.
You will be trained on script assessment, casting the actors, and how to work with them.
Directors also look into the scenery, lighting, and how the entire film is shot.
- Art Directing
Intending art directors are trained on how to transform the director’s ideas into the perfect scenery.
- Screenwriting
As a student in film school, you will be taught how to write scripts for films. You will learn how to structure stories, dialogue, and the development of characters.
- Cinematography
The cinematography takes the work you don’t see – behind the scenes. You will learn how to operate the movie camera, decide on the best exposure, lighting, and the very art of shooting.
- Post-production
Students will learn how to work with recent film technology to give the movie a good final output.
It involves editing, making corrections in the color, and sound. It is the process after a movie has been shot.
The List of Film Schools in Paris
This List includes Film Schools in France for International Students: Courses, Requirements, and Costs. We will consider film schools in Paris first, then go on to list the schools outside Paris.
# Esra International Film School
Esra International Film School was founded in 1972 and is one of the most prestigious film schools in France.
ESRA’s campus houses over 1,200 students plus professionals in the industry who work to train and teach students the business of filmmaking.
Esra International Film School offers students desiring to secure a formal filmmaking education summer programs, 1-year degree program and 3-year degree program.
As a graduate of this school, you will have a degree in filmmaking, directing or cinematography.
As a student, they offer excellent internships and you will be given an opportunity to study abroad, though for a semester.
Location: 135 Av. Félix Faure, 75015 Paris, France
Email: international@esra.edu
Phone: +33 (0) 144-252-525
# CineStudio – Paris School Of Film & Media
CineStudio – Paris School Of Film & Media is a top film school in Paris that offers advanced courses in filmmaking and cinematography, acting, photography and screenwriting plus other short courses.
You have the opportunity to pursue courses/degrees ranging from one month to several semesters.
CineStudio also offers online learning for those not willing or unable to attend classes in person.
This is done by video conferencing and applicants from all over the world can attend.
Location: 67 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
Email: info@cinestudios.paris
Phone: +33-7-69-83-43-82
# Eicar International Film and Television School Paris
This school has 150 film tutors guiding students in Bachelor’s and Master’s level degree programs.
Eicar International Film and Television School Paris offer education and training to 850 students interested in advanced professions in cinematography and filmmaking.
Similar to other film schools in France, EICAR offers opportunities for students to make progress in several filmmaking fields.
Fields like directing, production, screenwriting, editing, and cinematography through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction.
Founded in 1972, EICAR has a welcoming acceptance rate with 40% being international students.
Location: 1 allée allain leprest, 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine, France
Phone: +33 (0)1 49-98-11-11
# New York Film Academy Paris
Students can receive advanced training in media and fine arts at the New York Film Academy Paris to support careers in cinematography and production.
The great demand for admission to this esteemed institution encourages prospective students to apply as soon as possible.
Upon acceptance, students will engage in writing, directing, and film workshop activities while learning how to converse in both English and French.
For advanced training, programs leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees are available.
Location: 2 bis Rue Fallempin, 75015 Paris, France
Phone: +33-6-98-59-43-49
# La Femis
La Femis is one of numerous film schools in France that offers mixed training in media production and filmmaking.
They do this through a variety of courses that are suitable for students of all ages and skill levels and include both theory and practical sessions.
Students who enroll in degree programs are prepared for entry-level to advanced careers in media and cinema.
Through workshops, in-class instruction, and research projects, students receive training in a number of disciplines.
Disciplines such as cinematography, producing, directing, editing, scripting, continuity, distribution, cinema administration, and sound production.
Location: 6 Rue Francœur, 75018 Paris, France
Phone: +33-1-53-41-21-00
# American School Of Paris
Like other film schools in Paris, the American School of Paris offers advanced instruction in digital filmmaking through its film programs.
Students that actively participate gain technical production and cinematography expertise as well as knowledge of editing, lighting, and computer-based special effects.
Aspiring filmmakers in grades 9 through 13 can receive technical training for entry-level positions in digital filmmaking through programs at the American School of Paris.
Founded in 1946, many of its graduates have proceeded to make outstanding careers in Hollywood and other major film industries.
Location: 41 Rue Pasteur, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France
Phone: +33 (0)1 41-12-82-82
# National School of Louis Lumière
Located in the north of Paris, the National School of Louis Lumière is rated one of the best film schools in Paris.
The school offers programs in filmmaking – directing, screenwriting, cinematography, production design and others.
Opportunities include one and two-semester exchange programs as well as academic programs lasting three semesters, with admittance conditioned on passing a test.
Students who graduate are equipped for careers in stage management, sound recording, editing, and other technical positions associated with cinematography.
Location: La Cité du Cinéma, 20 Rue Ampère, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
Phone: +33-1-84-67-00-01
# Paris Film Academy
The Paris Film Academy is a respected film school in Paris. It was founded in 2012 and has produced successful filmmakers doing well in their careers.
Training is done via workshops and practical experience – audition procedures, voice, acting, and career.
It’s the first American acting studio in Paris and is a top option for students interested in the dealings of Hollywood.
Location: 2 bis Rue Fallempin, 75015 Paris, France
Phone: +33-6-98-59-43-49
# Paris College of Art
Paris College of Art was founded in 1981 and since then has quickly grown into one of the top options when thinking about a film school in France.
The bachelor of fine arts in Cinema Art program at Paris College of Art offers students training in both mixed media and film, as well as a variety of educational options.
Students will be trained in experimental filmmaking, video production, public art, and media creation as part of the program’s curriculum.
Students can take classes in person and online.
Location: 15 Rue Fénelon, 75010 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 45 77 39 66
# New Sorbonne University Paris 3
Founded in 1971, is one of the schools born out of the overhauling of the former University of Paris.
New Sorbonne University Paris 3 has a reputable film school considered among the best film schools in Paris.
Phone: +33 1 45 87 40 00
# Paris Institute of Political Studies
Paris Institute of Political Studies has a prestigious film school. The school’s acceptance rate is quite low but if you’re determined, you can get in.
Location: 27 Rue Saint-Guillaume, 75007 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 45 49 50 50
# Paris Descartes University
Paris Descartes University is situated in the center of Paris, founded in 1970.
The school offers students with a bachelor’s degree of Arts in film studies. This education covers all areas of filmmaking.
Location: 12 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
# Normal Superior School
Normal Superior School is a respected public film school in France founded in 1974.
Their programs are packed with quality film courses that help you achieve the best in your career as a filmmaker.
Other Film Schools in France
Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Audiovisuel:
Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Audiovisuel (ENSAV), one of three publicly supported film schools in France, offers advanced training to help filmmakers prepare for careers in the business.
European natives must have completed at least two years of college or the equivalent of an L2 education in Europe in order to enroll.
Foreign applicants may apply at any level, given the school’s claim of having a multicultural student body from all over the world.
A blend of online and in-person education is used in degree programs that offer master’s level study in film aesthetics, computer animation, sound design, production, and direction.
Location: 56 Rue du Taur, 31000 Toulouse, France
Phone: +33 5 61 50 44 46
La Rochelle University
The University of La Rochelle is a leading public film school in France.
Intending filmmakers have the chance to learn all they need on filmmaking, from directing to cinematography, producing to screenwriting.
The school helps students gain practical experience by allowing them to work on actual movie projects during their course of study.
Location: 23 Av. Albert Einstein, 17000 La Rochelle, France
Phone: +33 5 46 45 91 14
Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3
Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3 was founded in 1970 and has a respected film school.
Students will gain experience through hands-on work and the opportunity to work with real-life projects.
Location: Rte de Mende, 34090 Montpellier, France
Phone: +33 4 67 14 20 00
Aix-Marseille University
Aix-Marseille University is one of the best film schools in France. It was established in 1409.
The school’s alumni consist of the most celebrated filmmakers in the world. For many years, they have maintained a sound reputation in the school of filmmaking.
They offer quality education in cinematography, production, directing, screenwriting and others.
Location: Jardin du Pharo, 58 Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille, France
Phone: +33 4 91 39 65 00
Université Grenoble Alpes
Université Grenoble Alpes is among the oldest public film schools in France. It was founded in 1339.
They offer a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking plus other wonderful courses for students with a burning interest in filmmaking.
They have a strong research system and boast of some of the best film experts in the world.
Location: 621 Av. Centrale, 38400 Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France
Phone: +33 4 57 42 21 42
University of Strasbourg
The University of Strasbourg is one of the public film schools in France that enjoys a solid reputation and respect.
They specialize in European cinema which is an excellent thing for students interested in that line.
They offer undergraduate and graduate programs.
Location: 4 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France
Phone: +33 3 68 85 00 00
University of Limoges
The University of Limoges is perfect in the sense that it gives intending filmmakers a variety of film courses to choose from.
The school is blessed with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. It is one of Europe’s best film schools.
Location: 33 Rue François Mitterrand, 87000 Limoges, France
Phone: +33 5 55 14 91 00
Admission Requirements For Film Schools In France
- High School Diploma
You need to have a high school diploma or certificate with the required grades if you wish to apply for a filmmaking undergraduate program in France.
To learn the precise requirements in this regard, do consult the official university websites.
- Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a related field is the initial criterion for admission to a master of fine arts in a filmmaking program in France.
Most colleges require a minimum score of 50% for a bachelor’s degree, while the requirements vary according to the course and the university.
- Language
For Indian students applying, the English proficiency test is a requirement. The tests’ minimum results are:
- IELTS – 6.5 – 7
- TOEFL – 88 – 94
- Visa and Passport
All overseas students must have a current passport and a student visa in order to enroll in any programme at any university in France.
Do not forget to apply for your visa at least 3 months before the anticipated departure date.
Documents Required to Submit at Film Schools in France
- Transcript of Educational qualifications
- Resume
- Recommendation letter
- IELTS/TOEFL
- Work experience (if needed)
Cost OF Attending Film Schools in France
Tuition fees in film schools in France generally range from €10,000 to over €20,000. It may differ depending on your choice of school and course.
Cost of Living in France
An average lifestyle free of extravagance should have you spending just over €10,000 per year.
This includes accommodation, food, entertainment, and miscellaneous.
Is it Worth Studying in Film Schools?
Just like every other career path, filmmaking has its own ups and downs.
There are times when you will feel over the moon and there will be times when you will feel like quitting. Just be determined. At the end of the day, you will realize it was worth it.
What Makes a Good Film School?
We will advise you particularly look for schools that have strong connections with top industry professionals.
Also, check how much they allow their students to work on real movie projects.
What Do We Learn in Film School?
We listed some topics earlier on in the article – cinematography, production, directing, arts directing, post-production, and screenwriting are among the courses you will learn.
What Do Film School Interviews Ask?
Yes, you should prepare for your interview when applying to a film school.
filmschool.org has excellent material that will help in your preparation.
Can I Study in Film Schools in France in English?
Yes. Film schools in France offer lessons in both English language and French.
Conclusion:
If you have had trouble searching for the best film schools in France to start your journey to a passionate film career, then let this article help you.
We believe we prepared adequate information for you to make up your mind or at the very least what to expect when making further research.
See you in our next article.