On My Radar: Baptiste Clinet

Baptiste Clinet is a true product of Ogilvy Paris. Rising through the ranks at the agency over the past few years he has rapidly excelled in the creative department embracing the company’s spirit and belief in innovation.

Working as creative director on campaigns and branded content for the likes of Coca-Cola, Nestle, Grey Goose, Allianz and Netflix across multi-platforms, he has proved himself as a creative leader with a passion for what he does and was recently rewarded by being named executive creative director at the Parisian agency.

Below, he talks us through some of his favourite campaigns of late, why Facebook is useful and about the need for a woman’s touch in the creative department.

What’s the best ad campaign you’ve just seen recently?

Supporting Greatness, Jockey.

One of the most memorable ad campaigns of a while ago, for me, was also Volkswagen Polo, Dreamer, directed by Jonathan Glazer, a favourite director of mine. Amazing insight and the line is one of my favourite: "Have you ever noticed how protected you feel when you make yourself small?"

What website do you use most regularly and why?

Facebook. 90 per cent of my friends on FB are in the ad industry. It's a good way to know what the industry is launching and what ads are being talked about.

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought and why?

Parrot headsets. A French brand. It's the best sound quality headset. Recently, at home, I listened to a Grey Goose VO recording and I needed the best quality headset, so I bought Parrot.

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

Friends. Because they invented everything in comedy that goes into a 20-minute show format.

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

The Academy Award-winning Crash. Directed and written by Paul Haggis. It's amazingly well written. During the one-and-a-half-hour-film you find yourself experiencing every emotion possible.

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

On my scooter.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

We have many more ways to be creative.

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

I find, in general, the ad industry's creative department is too manly. It's missing women, and their creative direction.

What or who has most influenced your career and why?

My creative partner, Nicolas Lautier. We discovered advertising together; what worked, what didn't. Always teaching, always learning.

Why do you think Ogilvy has been such a great fit for you?

Cause it's an agency full of nice people.

With people moving around so much in the industry, how does it feel to have had such a great stint with success at the agency?

I've been lucky that Chris Garbutt, former CCO Paris and now CCO O&M East; and, Philip Heimann, directeur général O&M Paris kept me working on such amazing projects.

What plans have you got for the future?

To win the first French Titanium Lion at Cannes.