Interviewing French President Emmanuel Macron
Host Ari Wallach interviews French President Macron at the Elysée Palace, 8 June 2023 Photo: Virgile Demoustier © Fab Fixers
A Special Interview in a Special Venue
Interviews are always an exciting moment for us, and interviewing a head of State is no exception! In June 2023, we had the honour of organising an interview with French President Emmanuel Macron - at the Elysée Palace no less, the official residence of the French President.
Before the shoot, extensive coordination was required between our production team and the Presidential Office. The President’s schedule is planned months in advance, and we had to adapt to a highly guarded and meticulously curated environment. All security and scheduling logistics were deftly handled.
The pitch: interviewing the French President on the Future of Democracy
As part of A Brief History of the Future, a six-episode docu-series for PBS, host and futurist Ari Wallach interviewed President Emmanuel Macron on the future of democracy. The concept was a face-to-face conversation - except that Wallach was going to be in Los Angeles, and President Macron in Paris.
A Long-Distance Interview
Our challenge was to create optimal filming, sound and lighting conditions for a prestigious interview - knowing the interviewer would not be physically present. Adding to the complexity, the Elysée Palace is a historical monument, with delicate woodwork, valuable tapestries, pristine parquet floors and strict protocols. This required us to work swiftly and with precision, under the watchful eye of the Presidential staff.
The Right Setup for the Best Outcome
President Macron was placed in front of a monitor showing host Ari Wallach. What was intended to be a 30-minute interview stretched to 1 hour and 15 minutes. During this time, a visibly engaged President Macron delved into topics ranging from governance and global politics to education and social reform. Thanks to the right setup and our team of professionals, the production captured more than double the anticipated interview time.
Watch the result here: The Power of Deliberative Democracy (feat. Emmanuel Macron) | A Brief History of the Future
An artistic rendering of the event, by Karolina Dema for Fab Fixers.
Why choose Fab Fixers?
Our network: Since 2014, we’ve built an extensive network of professionals in film, sound, lighting, set design, transportation and more - both in France and beyond.
Our unmatched experience: Positioned at the crossroads of news and corporate production, we uphold the highest standards of filming and delivery, while maintaining the integrity of professional journalism.
Our creative problem-solving: We thrive on challenges and always find ways to make things work, no matter what.
We’d love to make your project come to life. Get in touch: virgile@fabfixers.com
Title: The Power of Deliberative Democracy (feat. Emmanuel Macron)
Client: PBS x Untold LA / A Brief History of the Future
Date: June 2023
Location: Élysée Palace, Paris