Finding a work-study placement in the film sector is not always easy. Yet it is a big plus, since it allows you to learn and work simultaneously in the audiovisual industry.

This guide answers three essential questions: why choose this format, which paths to follow (BTS, Bachelor, Master) to train for the various film industry careers, and where to find your company.

Why attend a film/audiovisual production school through work-study?

Work-study in film and audiovisual offers you five concrete advantages:

  • Immediate hands-on experience: work on real audiovisual productions from the start of your program.
  • A solid professional network: build direct contacts with players in the sector during your time in the workplace.
  • Training costs covered: your apprenticeship contract guarantees full or partial coverage by the OPCO.
  • Pay during your studies: earn a monthly salary while learning.
  • Fast job placement: 75% of audiovisual graduates find a job within the year.

Discover IESA and our work-study track

Film and audiovisual program

Work-Study BTS in Audiovisual, Bachelor in Film or Master: Which Path?

The advantage of work-study: Whatever program you choose, training is free for the student. In addition, the apprenticeship contract guarantees you a salary indexed to the minimum wage, which can reach 100% of it for work-study students aged 26 and over. But to build a career in audiovisual and film through work-study, the choice of your degree must align with your professional goals.

Here are the three main paths to guide you:

The BTS in Audiovisual Professions:

  • Accessible after high school, this 2-year technical program is practice-oriented.
  • There you will master filming and post-production equipment, aiming for operational jobs such as editor, sound engineer or production assistant.

The bachelor’s degree or Bachelor:

  • This 3-year (sometimes 4) program is built around organization and project management.
  • Accessible after high school or through parallel admission, it is ideal for becoming an assistant director, production officer, or working in event management.
  • IESA offers a 3-year program accessible after high school that prepares you for production professions: the Bachelor in Cultural Production

The Production & Distribution Master:

Companies Hiring and Audiovisual Work-Study Offers: Where to Look?

1. Dedicated platforms like ProfilCulture

  • Set up an alert on ProfilCulture, the specialized site that lists more than 400 audiovisual work-study offers per month. Define your criteria (sector, contract, region) and receive new listings by email every evening.

2. Target the companies that are hiring

  • Target production studios, festivals (Cannes, Annecy), motion design agencies and TV channels. More than 12 000 employers operate in audiovisual in France. Also explore film employer groups (GECA), which hire work-study students and have them work with several companies.

3. Focus on Paris and the regional hubs

  • Paris accounts for 75% of audiovisual work-study offers. Take advantage of professional shows like SATIS or the Paris Images Production Forum to meet recruiters directly. Lyon, Marseille and Lille are emerging as dynamic hubs.

To maximize your chances, diversify your search channels:

  • use ProfilCulture for its specialized daily alerts
  • build your professional network on LinkedIn with targeted searches
  • take part in must-attend events like SATIS and the Micro Salon AFC held annually in Paris
  • check the general job boards Indeed and HelloWork, which list many offers
  • mobilize your school’s alumni networks to benefit from direct recommendations
  • attend the CNC events that regularly organize industry meetings between students and professionals

What jobs can you do in film and audiovisual through work-study?

You can aim for roles such as video editor, production assistant or motion designer. The apprenticeship contract opens the doors of studios, agencies and streaming platforms.

Technical roles include director of photography, sound engineer, colorist and post-production technician. On the audiovisual production side, explore positions such as Production Manager, production director or shoot coordinator.

The motion design sector is actively recruiting work-study students to create animated content for social media and advertising campaigns. Employers are also looking for versatile profiles who can master the Adobe Suite and adapt to production scheduling constraints.

What schedule should you alternate between school and company?

The classic model: 3 days at the company, 2 days at school each week. This schedule lets you immediately apply what you have learned during your time at the company without losing the theoretical thread.

Some programs offer flexible schedules: one week at school followed by two weeks at the company, particularly well suited to long-running shoots. The academic year is also organized around intensive periods: 4 weeks of theory courses followed by 3 months of full immersion in the company.

The assignments vary with your progress: observation and assistance in the first year, then increasing responsibilities on concrete projects. This gradual work-study progression makes it easier to build your skills.

How do you finance your work-study program?

Your employer or an OPCO (skills operator) covers all or part of the tuition fees. Bonus: you receive a monthly salary throughout your apprenticeship contract.

Work-study training guarantees progressive pay: from 27% to 100% of the French minimum wage (SMIC) depending on your age and level of education. Periods at the company are paid on the same basis as a junior employee.

Funding bodies (OPCO) pay the school directly between €8 000 and €12 000 per year depending on the program level. This full coverage removes financial stress and lets you focus on acquiring professional skills in audiovisual.