Alexandre Astier : "Si Kaamelott ne vous plaît pas, c'est vraiment moi qui ne vous plaît pas"

Introduction to Alexandre Astier

Initial Impressions and Excitement

• The chat is lively with references to various topics, including Alexandre Astier's work in Camelot. There's a sense of excitement about his presence.

• The host expresses gratitude for Astier's participation, noting the unusual level of excitement from the audience.

• Astier acknowledges his rarity in media appearances, hinting at a selective engagement with platforms like Twitch.

Format and Duration of Discussion

• The host contrasts traditional media interviews with Twitch's format, emphasizing the longer time available for discussion (about an hour).

• The show aims to explore both personal and professional aspects of guests' lives, focusing on their journeys and experiences.

Self-Identification Challenges

How Does Astier Introduce Himself?

• When asked how he introduces himself to someone unfamiliar with his work, Astier admits it's a challenge.

• He often responds that he "bricole," or tinkers, which encompasses all his creative endeavors without being overly specific.

Evolution of Self-Presentation

• Over time, he has identified as a comedian or composer depending on what phase of his career he was in at the moment.

Musical Background and Early Influences

Early Musical Education

• Astier began formal music education at age 6 by joining the conservatory in Lyon; this early start shaped much of his life.

• His mother played a significant role in directing him towards music despite not being a musician herself.

Experience at Conservatory

• He describes the conservatory experience as intense but acknowledges it was somewhat rigid and academic.

Reflections on Music Education

Enjoyment vs. Rigidity

• Despite being immersed in music from an early age, Astier reflects that there wasn't much joy due to the strict nature of musical training.

Realization of Musical Skills

• It took him until around age 15 to realize how to apply what he had learned musically; earlier experiences felt more like obligations than passions.

Instrument Choices and Creative Development

Instrument Selection Process

• He chose the double bass during his studies but also developed skills in electric bass through personal interest.

Home Studio Setup

• Throughout birthdays and holidays, he accumulated equipment for a home studio which fueled his desire to compose music actively.

Understanding Musical Education and Personal Journey

The Complexity of Learning Music

• The speaker reflects on the challenges of understanding music theory, emphasizing that true comprehension requires maturity. They liken early music education to rote memorization rather than genuine learning.

• When asked about their choice of instrument, the double bass, the speaker admits uncertainty but acknowledges its importance in developing a foundational understanding of harmony and composition.

Educational Background and Experiences

• The speaker shares their educational journey, mentioning attendance at various music schools in Paris, including Agostini School and American School of Modern Music.

• They discuss their time at the American School from ages 17 to 19, questioning whether traditional academic achievements like diplomas were part of their path.

Struggles with Traditional Education

• The speaker expresses deep unhappiness during high school due to feeling out of place in an adult world that did not resonate with them. They struggled with authority figures who failed to ignite their curiosity.

• A pivotal moment is recounted when they called their mother from a phone booth at age 16, expressing a desire to leave high school as they felt unfulfilled by the experience.

Perspectives on Academic Credentials

• The discussion shifts to societal views on professional careers being heavily influenced by formal education credentials in France.

• While acknowledging some value in diplomas obtained through competitive exams (like solfège), the speaker emphasizes the need for clarity regarding one's goals before committing to traditional educational paths.

Individual Learning Preferences

• The speaker critiques those who prolong student status without clear direction, noting that structured environments can sometimes stifle personal exploration and curiosity.

• They highlight their preference for self-directed learning over conventional classroom settings, indicating a passion for independent study even outside formal education contexts.

Love for Knowledge Beyond Formal Education

• Despite not completing high school, the speaker enjoys reading about language rules and mathematics independently. Their rejection is not towards knowledge itself but rather how it was taught.

• They express enthusiasm for scientific topics and mention participation in conferences related to astronomy, showcasing an ongoing commitment to learning despite past educational struggles.

Education and Parenting Perspectives

The Role of Traditional Education

• The speaker reflects on their experience with traditional education, emphasizing a desire for knowledge rather than the conventional schooling system. They express concern about how education is structured.

• Discussing their children's educational paths, the speaker questions the effectiveness of classical schooling methods, especially when children are not thriving or are experiencing anxiety related to school.

• Acknowledging that many ways to learn exist today, the speaker critiques the rigidity of traditional education systems that may not accommodate diverse learning styles.

Generational Changes in Education

• The speaker contrasts their upbringing in a pre-Internet world with today's digital age, noting that while technology has advanced rapidly, educational institutions have not adapted accordingly.

• They argue that despite some modern updates in schools, there hasn't been a significant transformation to match societal changes and technological advancements.

Personal Approach to Child Education

• The speaker shares their proactive approach as a parent, ensuring their children's daily experiences are meaningful and engaging without compromising structure or discipline.

• They reflect on whether their children followed traditional paths or explored alternative routes in education and personal development.

Critique of Societal Norms

• The discussion touches on societal perceptions regarding attentive parenting. The speaker notes criticism faced for being involved in their children's lives but emphasizes that care does not equate to leniency.

• They highlight misconceptions around "woke" parenting styles and assert that it’s possible to maintain boundaries while being nurturing.

Sleep Patterns and School Start Times

• The speaker argues against early school start times for children, suggesting they need more sleep during crucial developmental years.

• Citing scientific research advocating for later start times based on age-related needs, they question why these recommendations aren't implemented widely within educational systems.

Alternative Educational Methods

• Sharing personal experiences with homeschooling, the speaker explains how they hired tutors who adhered to official curricula while allowing flexibility for returning to traditional schools if desired.

• They recount interactions with social services regarding homeschooling regulations and emphasize responsible management of this alternative approach to education.

Encouraging Creativity and Individuality

• Highlighting individual pursuits among their children, such as photography workshops and music studies, the speaker underscores the importance of fostering creativity alongside formal education.

• They mention one child pursuing filmmaking projects independently while another seeks formal music training after self-directed learning experiences. This illustrates an emphasis on supporting varied interests without stifling enthusiasm.

Career Reflections and Artistic Journey

Importance of Background and Experience

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of their background, noting that many individuals in their circle are former ministers, leading to confusion about current roles.

• Acknowledges the construction of a CV for Alexandrassier, highlighting the importance of musical training as part of his identity.

Perception and Presentation

• Discusses the arrogance perceived in a photo on a CV, questioning its appropriateness for professional settings.

• Reflects on personal autonomy, stating that no one dictates their actions, reinforcing a sense of self-direction.

Early Influences in Theatre and Music

• Shares memories from childhood spent in a beautiful theatre in Lyon that has since been demolished; this environment fostered an early love for performance.

• Describes the privilege of being able to access backstage areas as a child, which shaped their understanding and familiarity with theatrical spaces.

Transition into Performance

• Explains how growing up around actors led to an early interest in performing; mentions participating in short films at a young age.

• Reflects on being deeply involved with music during adolescence while also feeling compelled to perform publicly.

Inspiration from Comedians

• Identifies Coluche as a significant influence, admiring his ability to bring joy through humor and connect with audiences.

• Expresses fascination with comedians' relationships with their audience, finding it more impactful than traditional rock stars.

Engagement with Audience Feedback

• Apologizes for not fully engaging with audience messages during discussions but acknowledges the positive feedback received.

• Mentions ongoing interactions with viewers who express love and support throughout the conversation.

2002 Short Film and Transition to Directing

Overview of Dias Iraé

• In 2002, Jesse Raet directed "Dias Iraé," a 14-minute short film that won the public prize at the 2003 Off-Court Festival. This marked a significant shift from theater to film direction.

Concept Development

• The idea for the project did not stem from "Dias Iraé" as it was solely a short film without projections for future projects. The director reflects on his Latin background influencing his understanding of the title.

Challenges with Language

• There are various schools of thought regarding Latin pronunciation, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty surrounding how Romans spoke the language.

Themes in Dias Iraé

• The short film centers around King Arthur and his knights, focusing on themes of misunderstanding among characters. The director expresses a personal affinity for roles involving misunderstood individuals.

Creative Process

• Raet took on multiple roles in filmmaking including writing, directing, editing, and composing music for "Dias Iraé." He emphasizes this experience as foundational in transitioning to cinema.

From Short Films to Series: Camelot's Evolution

Transition to Television

• Following positive reception of "Dias Iraé," Raet's agent encouraged him to explore television opportunities which led him to collaborate with Jean-Yves Robin and Calt on developing new content.

Conceptualizing Camelot

• The development process involved exploring daily life scenarios through brief segments (3 minutes each), ultimately leading to the creation of "Camelot" between 2005 and 2009.

Series Structure

• The series consists of six seasons with varying episode lengths; seasons five and six feature longer formats that complicate traditional episode counting due to their extended runtime.

Navigating Different Mediums: Cinema vs. Television

Shifting Perspectives

• Raet discusses the daunting transition from creating a short film to producing numerous episodes for television but remains confident in his ability as a writer despite external doubts about his youthfulness.

Writing Approach

• Despite suggestions to collaborate with other writers, Raet insists he can write everything himself, demonstrating confidence in his creative capabilities across different mediums.

Defining Artistic Boundaries

Personal Philosophy on Media

• Raet rejects strict definitions or codes governing cinema or television; he views both as platforms for storytelling where quality is paramount regardless of format or medium distinctions.

Common Misconceptions

• He addresses misconceptions about different media forms—such as cinema versus television—emphasizing that storytelling remains consistent across formats while acknowledging production differences.

Production Insights and Collaboration

The Importance of Production Roles

• Discussion on the various roles in film production, emphasizing the importance of writing, editing, directing, and maintaining a hands-on approach to ensure the final product aligns with the creator's vision.

Collaborative Filmmaking Experience

• The speaker expresses joy in collaboration during an extensive filming period of eight months for two films, highlighting teamwork with costume designers, lighting experts, sound engineers, and other crew members.

Rhythm and Editing Techniques

• Emphasis on maintaining rhythmic elements in storytelling; the speaker insists on controlling aspects like editing to preserve their unique style and how dialogue is crafted musically.

Creating Liveliness through Dialogue

• The speaker explains that dialogue must be constructed to create a lively atmosphere; layering dialogues and managing pacing are crucial for achieving a vibrant narrative.

Sound Over Visual Consistency

• Acknowledgment that sound takes precedence over visual continuity; the speaker is willing to accept visual discrepancies if it enhances the auditory experience.

Creative Control vs. Team Dynamics

Supervision of Key Roles

• While acknowledging a collaborative effort in filmmaking, the speaker mentions specific areas they supervise closely, particularly editing where hands-on involvement is essential.

Challenges in Articulating Editing Requests

• The difficulty of articulating precise editing requests is discussed; practical engagement with editing tools is deemed necessary for effective communication within the team.

Gaming Interests Amidst Busy Schedules

Time Constraints Affecting Gaming Habits

• The conversation shifts towards gaming interests; despite enthusiasm for games like World of Warcraft and No Man's Sky, time constraints limit actual gameplay opportunities.

Family Gaming Experiences

• Mention of playing Minecraft alongside family members highlights personal connections through gaming despite limited time availability.

Nostalgia for LAN Gaming

Enjoyment of Local Multiplayer Games

• Nostalgic reflections on local area network (LAN) gaming experiences are shared; enjoyment derived from playing games like Starcraft emphasizes social interaction over solo play.

Recent Family Gaming Activities

• Anecdote about discovering multiple PS5 consoles set up at home indicates ongoing family engagement with gaming culture despite personal time limitations.

Personal Gaming Preferences

Fondness for Specific Game Genres

• The speaker shares preferences for certain game genres such as RTS (Real-Time Strategy), indicating past achievements in games like Superstar Dust HD while reflecting on missed opportunities in competitive gaming.

Creative Parenting and Life Reflections

The Joy of Creative Parenting

• The speaker expresses joy in being a creative parent, highlighting the pride children feel having an inventive father who has crafted his own life.

Navigating Parenthood as a Child at Heart

• The speaker reflects on their own immaturity, feeling like a child while raising children. They emphasize the importance of allowing kids to discover their identities without pressure.

Concerns About Legacy and Impact

• There is a concern about how the speaker's children will perceive them after their passing, suggesting that they may realize the depth of their father's influence only later in life.

Thoughts on Longevity and Scientific Advances

• A discussion arises about scientific predictions regarding human lifespan, mentioning figures like Putin and Chinese leaders interested in extending life up to 150 years.

Balancing Passion with Rest

• The conversation shifts to whether passion for work allows for breaks. The speaker admits to needing time off but finds fulfillment in various activities outside of work.

Experiments and Creativity

Embracing Experimental Work

• Everything the speaker engages in is experimental; they enjoy creating unique experiences rather than repeating past works or projects.

Passion for Diverse Experiences

• When making films or shows, the speaker focuses on all aspects—from camera angles to actor choices—emphasizing that each project is an exploration rather than just entertainment.

Continuous Learning Through Experimentation

• The speaker finds no boredom in their work because they never replicate previous efforts. They continue experimenting even during downtime, showcasing a commitment to learning and creativity.

Why Does It Take 10 Years?

The Journey of Production

• The speaker reflects on the lengthy process of production, emphasizing a desire for greater autonomy in creating content.

• They mention delays due to negotiations and legal issues, indicating that they did not want to restart under previous conditions.

• The speaker expresses a strong connection to the project "Camelot," feeling it is an integral part of their life and storytelling journey.

• They convey patience regarding the project's timeline, stating they are not in a rush and prefer to let time shape the narrative naturally.

• Acknowledging other projects, the speaker indicates that while "Camelot" is significant, there are various creative avenues they wish to explore.

The Structure of Camelot's Saga

Film Series Breakdown

• The saga will conclude with three cinematic installments; the first has been completed, while the second is divided into two parts.

• The upcoming release date for part one of the second installment is set for October 22nd.

• The speaker shares their experience attending a press screening, highlighting their emotional engagement with the film's universe despite interruptions during viewing.

Challenges in Film Completion

Work In Progress

• After watching 33 minutes of footage at a screening, frustration arises as it abruptly stops; this reflects ongoing work on finalizing details before release.

• The speaker admits that they are still refining elements like music and sound design up until very close to release dates.

Character Changes and Audience Expectations

Perceval's Absence

• A humorous exchange occurs about audience anticipation for character Perceval’s appearance in the film, which does not happen until later in its runtime.

• Current public interest revolves around political events alongside questions about character appearances within "Camelot."

Behind-the-scenes Decisions

Casting Choices

• The absence of actor Franck Pithiot (who plays Perceval), who chose not to return for this installment, leads to discussions about character dynamics and plot adjustments.

• This decision prompted rewrites and changes within the storyline; however, further details remain undisclosed.

Formation of a New Government

Transition and Challenges in Government Formation

• The discussion begins with the acceptance of a resignation by President Macron, leading to questions about the next steps in government formation.

• Sébastien Le Corneux expresses reluctance to become Prime Minister, highlighting the lengthy process of forming a government that took an unprecedented 24 days.

• This government is noted as both the slowest to form and the shortest-lived in history, indicating ongoing instability and uncertainty.

• Le Corneux hints at potential positive developments after a period of silence, suggesting renewed communication among political figures.

• A humorous exchange occurs regarding Le Corneux's unexpected productivity post-resignation, reflecting on public sentiment towards political changes.

Cultural Impact and Community Expectations

• The conversation shifts to community expectations surrounding "Camelot," emphasizing its cultural significance and strong fan engagement through shared quotes.

• The speaker reflects on their experience with audience expectations on platforms like Twitch, where fans actively reference Camelot during discussions.

• Addressing these high expectations can be challenging; however, the speaker acknowledges that having an engaged audience is preferable to indifference.

• The speaker discusses their responsibility to innovate rather than simply cater to audience desires, stressing the importance of creativity in their work.

• They express gratitude for supportive fans while recognizing that unpredictability is essential for maintaining interest over time.

Longevity and Evolution of Storytelling

• The dialogue touches upon how long-running narratives evolve over decades, with characters aging alongside audiences—a rare phenomenon in storytelling.

• There’s acknowledgment that over 20 years of storytelling leads to natural changes within cast dynamics as actors come and go from projects.

• The speaker emphasizes that uncertainty can be beneficial for narrative development; it keeps audiences intrigued about future directions.

• They reassure listeners not to worry about fluctuations within the saga's community or cast members' involvement over time.

• Looking ahead, there’s optimism about continuing this saga for many more years while balancing other creative projects.

Discussion on Creative Process and Personal Connection

The Unique Approach to Creation

• The speaker emphasizes the lack of pressure to repeat themselves, indicating that new experiences keep their creative process engaging.

• They note the rarity of having the same person manage a project over 20 years, highlighting personal investment in their work.

• The speaker has not delegated tasks, preferring to maintain control over every aspect of production, contrasting with conventional methods.

Risks and Personal Accountability

• Acknowledges that their work is highly personalized; if audiences dislike it, they are directly rejecting the creator's vision.

• Discusses the anxiety surrounding film releases but expresses confidence in their work despite potential failure.

Pride in Specific Elements of Work

• The speaker reveals satisfaction with their output, particularly regarding a significant monologue intended to inspire viewers.

• They believe this lengthy speech may resonate deeply with some audience members despite its length being off-putting for others.

Future Collaborations and Interests

Invitation for Future Engagement

• The speaker invites collaboration on gaming discussions, showcasing enthusiasm for sharing experiences related to video games.

• They express openness to exploring new games together, emphasizing enjoyment over skill level.

Reflection on Personal Growth

• A light-hearted exchange about resumes indicates a blend of personal interests and professional aspirations within creative fields.

• The conversation touches upon academic backgrounds while maintaining a focus on passion-driven pursuits.

Job Interview Role Play

Simulated Interview Dynamics

• Engages in a mock job interview scenario where they discuss personal strengths and weaknesses candidly.

• Their responses reflect self-awareness and an eagerness to learn, which could be valuable traits in any collaborative environment.

Experimentation and Professional Achievements

The Importance of Experimentation

• The speaker emphasizes the value of perpetual experimentation, highlighting that understanding new concepts often requires teamwork and a willingness to invent rather than simply execute tasks.

• They express pride in creating an environment where team members can experiment freely, which is a key reason why they enjoy working together.

Personal Successes and Recognition

• The speaker mentions their greatest professional achievement: receiving the "Prix Science en Société" from the French Society of Astronomy and Astrophysics for their work on exoconferences.

• This award is not given annually but at the discretion of the awarding body, making it particularly meaningful; it had been six years since anyone received it prior.

Attitude Towards Failure

• When asked about fear of failure, the speaker confidently states they are prepared for setbacks, encouraging others to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Future Aspirations

• In discussing future goals, the speaker reflects on possibly creating another series or story within five years, indicating a desire for continued creative exploration.

Professional Values

• The speaker articulates that their ultimate professional goal (the "graal") is to impact even one child positively, even if it means disappointing many others. This highlights a commitment to meaningful contributions over popularity.

Closing Remarks and Future Engagement

Gratitude and Anticipation

• Both speakers express mutual appreciation for their time together and encourage viewers to engage with upcoming content.

Upcoming Projects

• A reminder is given about an upcoming film release on October 22nd, inviting viewers to share their thoughts after watching.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.