Face to Face with... Claude Fayolle

Claude Fayolle, partner and executive producer at Wanda, tells us about winning Lions, late night snacks, and how he likes to be beside the seaside.

How will you be spending the week in Cannes?

My typical day will be very simple: having lunch every day at the hut on the island of Lerins in front of Cannes. In the afternoon, meetings in Cannes, preferably in front of the sea. In the evening a good dinner in a restaurant facing the sea, party on the beach, then the Martinez to find my friends who I’ve lost throughout the day but who never say no to a last drink. Finally I’ll go back to the hotel while watching the sun rise over the sea.

Why is Cannes an important event for you to attend?

It’s the only place where the whole world of advertising comes together, so obviously it’s good for our relationships with our partners the world over since we can see each other without being on a conference call, on Skype, on the phone etc. This is where the big decisions get made, both commercial and strategic, and all of that happens over a drink and on a beautiful beach facing the sea.

Does winning a Lion at the festival have a noticeable impact on your business?

Yes and no. In production it mostly brings notoriety. Afterwards you have one or two years to take advantage of this boost and win more Lions. If you don’t, you’re soon forgotten. Everything depends on the colour of the Lion. If it’s gold, people will remember you for two years. If it’s silver, one year. If it’s bronze, six months, and if it’s a shortlist, for the duration of the festival. And if you don’t have Lions, even your friends will ask you for your ID when you go talk to them.

Are there any seminars you’re particularly looking forward to seeing this week?

I don’t like seminars too much. I find it strange to lock myself up in a dark room when you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

What’s your fondest memory of Cannes?

It’s classic to say this, but my best memories are of winning my different gold Lions. It’s always scary to go up on stage, to be whistled at, but for me, it’s always translated to huge applause from this great theatre saluting your work.

What should every Cannes virgin make sure they do this week?

You have to do it all! Film screenings to hear the hypocritical little whistles in the room. The crazy parties where you have a laugh with a Brazilian while looking at an Italian flirting with a Swede who pretends to understand him by answering in Spanish. Eating a disgusting sandwich at six in the morning, but at that time it seems like the best sandwich in the world. What you shouldn’t do is sleep!

What’s the right balance between work and play during the week?

Cannes is already a compromise! You work while you play. You play while you work. But let’s say that the afternoon is work and all the rest is fun.

What would make the perfect day at Cannes?

A BBQ on Sainte Marguerite Island in front of Cannes, and when you get back you learn that you have won a gold Lion.

Complete the following sentence: If this was my last time at Cannes, I would want to...

If it was my last time, I would come with a real lion.