We were lucky to catch up with Eloïse Descleves recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eloïse, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Life in France was comfortable. I had a secure job as a producer’s assistant, a great group of friends, and a comfortable routine. But the dream of creating impactful content for a global audience gnawed at me. My ultimate goal was Hollywood, the land of opportunity. That dream was sparked by winning a Warner Bros competition to meet Zack Snyder in their LA studios in 2013. LA wasn’t just a distant fantasy; it felt like destiny.
Moving across the ocean was terrifying. I knew no one, and the initial months were a whirlwind of unfamiliar faces and a crushing sense of loneliness.
Thankfully, I could count on my classmates from the prestigious Peter Stark Producing Program at USC, which only takes 25 students per cohort. The program not only provided invaluable training but also introduced me to a vibrant community of aspiring filmmakers, some of whom are now my closest friends.
This network proved to be the key. I landed in development at Ubisoft Film & TV. I had the opportunity to produce several shorts with bright, up-and-coming filmmakers. The pinnacle of my American experience is when I ended up producing my first feature film, “Greek Mothers Never Die,” directed by Rachel Suissa, whom I met when I was working in the production team of Netflix’s Dangerous Liaisons. The film’s recent selection at the Houston WorldFest feels like a dream come true. On top of that, I had the incredible opportunity to meet and learn from industry legends like Ed Saxon. It was a full-circle moment, a testament to the risks I took and the incredible journey it has led me on.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a passionate producer who thrives on connecting international filmmaking talent with global audiences.
They say destiny has a way of finding you, and for me, it arrived disguised as a competition. In 2013, a young film fanatic (that’s me!) won a trip to LA, visiting Warner Bros. Studios and meeting the legendary Zack Snyder, director of “Man of Steel.” Standing there, surrounded by movie magic, a fire ignited within me. Zack’s simple yet powerful advice – “go to it” – became my mantra.
Fueled by passion, I spent every school holiday working on short films and music videos sets. While my parents, ever supportive, encouraged a “real” degree first, I balanced film pursuits with business studies at Warwick Business School in the UK. There, I discovered a crucial connection – filmmaking, like any successful venture, thrives on building a strong team and mastering every step, from financing to marketing.
This understanding propelled me to Warner Bros. UK’s digital marketing team, where I was working on the red carpets of “A Star is Born” and “Fantastic Beasts.” But the creative itch wouldn’t be ignored. A Google search for the “best producer’s program” led me to the prestigious Peter Stark Producing Program at USC. I was ecstatic when I was accepted. However, the universe had other plans—the pandemic forced a delay.
Undeterred, I channeled my energy into production roles on Netflix’s “Dangerous Liaisons” and Amazon Prime’s “I Love America.” Working alongside seasoned professionals solidified my love for on-set production and the intricate world of budgeting and production supervision.
Finally, with borders reopened, I landed in LA, working in development for companies like Barry Films and Ubisoft Film & TV. These experiences fueled my ultimate goal: building a bridge between international filmmaking talent and global audiences.
I then produced several shorts, each one a stepping stone. But the pinnacle arrived with “Greek Mothers Never Die,” a feature film co-written and directed by the director of “Dangerous Liaisons,” who, impressed by my skills, entrusted me with producing her American debut.
Leading the process, I managed the budget and schedule, assembled a stellar team, oversaw logistics, and spearheaded the three-week Florida shoot. My meticulous attention to detail extended to collaborating on every cut of the film, ensuring the story’s vision shone through. Now on the festival circuit, “Greek Mothers Never Die” has already garnered prestigious recognition at the Houston WorldFest. To top it off, I received a PGA mark that recognized my role as a producer.
Looking ahead, I am very excited about several projects in development, each one a chance to collaborate with talented filmmakers and champion stories that resonate across borders.
What truly sets me apart? It’s more than just my international background and diverse production experience. It’s my unwavering passion for empowering stories that connect the human experience. By fostering collaboration and meticulous execution, I strive to be a bridge between captivating narratives and the global audiences yearning to discover them.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My sense of timing has always been…questionable. Starting the Peter Stark Producing Program during a global lockdown wasn’t ideal. Online classes felt isolating, and the dream of networking in bustling Hollywood hallways vanished. However, this unexpected turn forced me to be resourceful. I used Zoom to connect with fellow students, building a supportive virtual community transcending borders. I also worked in the production team of prestigious projects for Netflix and Amazon, such as I Love America, directed by Lisa Azuelos and starring France’s superstar Sophie Marceau. This not only kept my skills sharp but exposed me to different production styles and talented professionals in France.
Then came the Hollywood strike, coinciding with my graduation. Frustration loomed large as job prospects dwindled. Instead of succumbing to despair, I used this time to leverage the connections and build new ones. While the situation wasn’t what I initially envisioned, it forced me to adapt and become a resourceful producer. This period instilled in me the confidence to take control of my career path, leading me to embrace freelance work, something I wouldn’t have dared to do before. Now, I proudly call myself a producer, ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Growing up in a multicultural household, with a Vietnamese mother and French father, exposed me to the richness and beauty of diverse perspectives. This wasn’t just academic – I lived it, bouncing between France, the UK, and now the US.
The success of films like “Parasite” and “Anatomy of a Fall” proves that audiences crave international voices. Look at Hollywood’s top directors – Chris Nolan and Denis Villeneuve – both bring a unique perspective honed by exposure to both American and international cinema. Similarly, acclaimed directors like Greta Gerwig and Damien Chazelle cite international filmmakers as inspiration. This cross-pollination is vital for creating compelling stories.
This is where my passion as a producer comes in. I see myself as a bridge builder, connecting talented international filmmakers with global audiences. By fostering collaboration and understanding diverse cultural nuances, I aim to bring fresh voices and unique perspectives to the forefront. Just like my favorite screenwriter, Quoc Dang Tran, whose HBO deal is a testament to the power of international voices, I believe there’s magic waiting to be discovered.
Building bridges goes beyond individual projects. I had the opportunity to work with the French Film Bureau to organize a prestigious conference in West Hollywood on November 14th, in partnership with Variety. This event aimed to promote US filmmaking in France, and I was thrilled to play a role in facilitating connections between French film professionals and US executives. The conference fostered a collaborative environment, and I’m confident it will spark exciting projects in the future
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12005101/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloisedclv/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elo%C3%AFse-descleves-349607128/
Image Credits
Neptune Arthouse Estrella Madia