FLAVIE PÉAN

QCEG
Can you give us a sneak peek at your upcoming TV series?

FLAVIE
"Simon Coleman" is a family crime series broadcast on France 2. We shoot 6 episodes of 52 minutes in the South of France between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, a region that I adore and where I am very happy to shoot!

The role of Simon Coleman, the police captain, is played by Jean-Michel Tinivelli and I play his work partner, Captain Chloé Becker. The little extra of this series is based on the fact that Simon Coleman has custody of his deceased sister's three children and that he doesn't always know how to manage the organization, the mental load, the family pressure, the stress, the fatigue... It generates comical and touching situations. I play the free electron who doesn't like to get attached, doesn't want children but still gives good advice!

QCEG
How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for demanding roles that require a wide range of emotions?

FLAVIE
I'm a diligent worker when it comes to my craft. I believe in thorough preparation to liberate myself from any distractions on the day of shooting. It's crucial for me to feel completely immersed and comfortable in my character's skin.

This preparation begins with memorizing the script several weeks in advance. However, it extends beyond mere memorization; I engage in psychological preparation as well. I dedicate time to delve into my character's backstory, experiences, and habits and even explore parallels with my own life.

Additionally, I've incorporated daily meditation into my routine for years. I find it invaluable for immersing myself in the mindset of my characters and tapping into their emotional journeys. Through meditation, I can envision their world and connect with their innermost thoughts and feelings.

QCEG
Can you discuss the differences in dynamics between live theatre performances and working on a film or TV set?

FLAVIE
In my opinion, even though it's essentially the same profession, there are significant differences between theatre and film/TV work. Some actors, for instance, prefer to stick to one or the other. In theatre, besides the necessity of projecting and controlling your voice, there's the constant awareness of being in front of a live audience. There's a pressure not to make mistakes or fall ill during a performance.

Performing on stage is incredibly immersive; it demands full energy, confidence, and being completely present. The mantra of "the show must go on" underscores the passionate commitment required. Yet, the rewards are immense—moments like hearing the audience laugh or receiving thunderous applause are deeply moving experiences.

Contrastingly, the environment on a film or TV set lacks the immediacy of live theatre. However, it offers the opportunity to refine performances through multiple takes, to experiment, make mistakes, and refine until perfection is achieved. It's a meticulous process where every detail matters, and emotions must be conveyed genuinely as the camera captures everything. Honesty with oneself and the director is paramount.

Moreover, the unpredictability of never repeating the same scenes on consecutive days appeals to individuals like myself who thrive on constant movement. Nevertheless, what remains consistent between theatre and film/TV is the importance of teamwork, which I personally cherish. Working closely with a dedicated team over months creates a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that is truly fulfilling.

QCEG
Could you share any memorable experiences or challenges you've faced when preparing for roles involving physical transformations?

FLAVIE
During the filming of "Bienvenue chez Candy," directed by Sabine Crossen, I had to learn how to fight and perform stunts. I've always been athletic and was already taking boxing lessons, but I had never attempted stunts before, despite dreaming of it! For the film, I underwent four months of training with Grégory Loffredo and Antoine Lelandais, two incredibly talented individuals who taught me a great deal. It also required working on physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance. I have fond memories of this experience because it aligned perfectly with how I envisioned my profession. In France, however, it's not typically emphasized. Actors are usually cast based solely on their existing skills, and physical training is often overlooked. Personally, I find physical transformation for a role to be incredibly exhilarating; it's akin to being a child again, playing dress-up!

QCEG
How do you perceive the changing landscape of the entertainment industry with the rise of streaming platforms and digital content, and how does this impact your career approach?

FLAVIE
Personally, I remain a lover of traditional cinema, regularly attending screenings of eagerly anticipated films. Watching a movie on my couch will never provide the same level of enjoyment! I hope that younger generations will also continue to appreciate the cinema experience, provided they can endure two hours without their mobile phones! With the advent of streaming platforms, however, our consumption of films and series has become increasingly fast-paced, impatient, and demanding. We're reluctant to waste time or make mistakes, whereas the beauty of art lies in discovering and refining our critical sensibilities. As an actress, I see the advantage in this shift as it opens up a plethora of opportunities and chances to find projects that resonate with me. Furthermore, the French market is expanding internationally, with large-scale productions becoming more prevalent. As someone interested in action films, I find it thrilling to consider that there are now fewer limitations and boundaries to my aspirations.

QCEG
Do you have any plans to expand your behind-the-scenes involvement, given your foray into writing and producing your own theatrical shows?

FLAVIE
Yes, I'm currently writing two new theatrical plays that are set to debut next year. Additionally, I'm involved in writing projects for the cinema. It's another skill that I deeply enjoy and continue to develop, especially during periods when I'm not on set.

I can easily spend hours at home in front of my computer, accompanied by a cup of coffee and a bit of chocolate! I find great satisfaction in creating characters with all the complexities, flaws, wounds, and strengths inherent in humanity. People are endlessly fascinating, so naturally, writing about them and for them is equally captivating!

QCEG
How do you stay motivated during difficult times in your career, and what lessons have you learned from overcoming setbacks?

FLAVIE
I find solace in writing! It helps me remain active and distracts me during times when I'm not filming or when I face disappointments such as not securing a desired role. I've learned to let go and trust that things will unfold at the right time.

In such moments, I remind myself: "If it didn't work out this time, it's because something better suited to me will come along." The toughest part is not doubting myself. Casting decisions can hinge on trivial factors like hair colour or minor physical differences—things beyond my control. My husband taught me to accept circumstances as they are and not to wait idly by for the phone to ring.

In this industry, being independent is a luxury! Writing empowers me to chart my own path and affords me the opportunity to craft roles that I'd love to portray. Acceptance doesn't equate to resignation; on the contrary, I'm a determined individual, but I strive to channel my energy effectively!

QCEG
Do you have any other passions or hobbies that you enjoy pursuing in your free time?

FLAVIE
When I'm not filming, I dedicate a significant amount of time to sports and honing my skills in stage combat—an enduring passion of mine. Additionally, I prioritize self-care through meditation and indulge in reading, particularly dark detective novels borrowed from my father! Whenever possible, I embrace travel as one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate and recharge my spirit.

QCEG
With the growing influence of social media, how do you balance maintaining privacy while actively engaging your audience?

FLAVIE
It's not easy! Social networks today are almost a prerequisite in this profession. Some decision-makers even go so far as to select actresses based on their number of followers. So, you have to play the game, but there are limits that I've set for myself that I wouldn't cross. For example, I rarely publish anything about my personal relationships. Instead, I try to focus my posts on my profession as an actress or on my passions, hoping they resonate with others. Finding this happy medium is essential, and above all, I believe we must be intentional about our actions.

QCEG
Are there any dream roles or projects that you haven't had the opportunity to pursue yet but would like in the future?

FLAVIE
Absolutely! I'm like a big kid with a multitude of dreams still waiting to be fulfilled. If I had to choose one, it would be to star in an action movie and put my stunt training to good use. As a child, I used to watch films starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, Bruce Willis, and Sylvester Stallone, and then reenact the action scenes in my garden. I hope one day to perform my own stunts in a feature film of my own!

QCEG
Advice to your younger self: As you reflect on your journey, what advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your acting career?

FLAVIE
I would tell my younger self to trust myself more and to be more aware of my abilities and my worth. This profession can be incredibly challenging and can sometimes shake your self-esteem and self-confidence to the core. There's a prevalent abuse of power, especially towards the young and inexperienced, and I've unfortunately experienced the consequences of that firsthand. When I first arrived in Paris at a very young age to pursue acting and attend classes, I was brimming with sunshine, hope, and enthusiasm. However, these qualities often clash with the cynicism and frustration of others in the industry. Thankfully, my love for this profession was unwavering, and I persevered. My advice to my younger self would be to never allow anyone to dim your light or dampen your optimism. Hold onto your belief in yourself and your dreams fiercely.