Franck Philippon, screenwriter, showrunner, series creator, and producer of series and films, is currently in Fenua. This versatile audiovisual expert is currently leading a masterclass, “Creating and Producing Series”, and a workshop, “Telling a Story”, for the Festival International du Film Documentaire Océanien (FIFO). Portrait.
Franck Philippon is a lover of life. Meeting new people, discovering new horizons, different cultures, and new ways of thinking are what fuel his passion. A literature enthusiast, he eagerly devours Patrick Modiano’s novels and enjoys quoting René Char and Jean Cocteau.
A renowned screenwriter and showrunner in the audiovisual world, Franck Philippon secretly wished to excel in a different field. After spending a decade playing in a rock band, this Swiss Army knife of audiovisual—who plays guitar, piano, ukulele, and drums—would love to step back on stage.
In his free time, he finds peace on the deserted beaches of the Landes, where he loves to sing, accompanied by an instrument. It’s all about vibrations and a sense of serenity that he doesn’t find in writing. “I would have loved a thousand times more to be a musician rather than a screenwriter, but we all have the talents we are given,” he admits. Still, Franck Philippon persists in playing the piano, without pretension.
And while the series producer works on becoming a better musician, there’s one skill he’s already mastered: surfing. “My sister lives in Papara, not far from Taharu’u, so I used to love going there to surf. I had some unforgettable sessions in Polynesia—some of which left their marks on my skin after hitting the reef,” he recalls with a laugh. Surfing was one of the reasons he eventually settled in the Landes region.
Splitting his time between Paris, Los Angeles, and the Arcachon Basin, Franck Philippon is no stranger to Fenua. His mother was born, raised, and spent her last years in Tahiti. “Polynesia interests me both personally and professionally. I have family ties here—my mother was born and grew up in Fenua. She also spent the last 20 years of her life here, and part of my family still lives in Polynesia. So, I have a special connection to this place, which I find fascinating in many ways,” shares this lover of Tahitian-style raw fish.
With strong local ties and a deep passion for his craft, Franck Philippon naturally accepted the invitation to take part in the FIFO, leading a screenwriting workshop. Beyond sharing his knowledge, he values the human adventure. “Hosting these workshops allows me to meet young writers, discover new talents… I have ongoing projects and want to collaborate with Polynesian creatives. That’s why I’m interested in training sessions—to connect with people eager to explore writing. It’s all about making meaningful connections,” he explains.
He continues: “Right now, I’m developing a series for France Ô with two young local writers I met through a workshop. I also have another project with two female writers I encountered the same way. For me, it’s essential—essential to build bridges and foster collaborations.”
“Trust in your own uniqueness, your own originality.”
While Franck Philippon’s professional projects in Tahiti, Los Angeles, and Paris continue to take shape, what truly excites him is discovery. “What drives me and the values that guide me—both professionally and personally—are, above all, curiosity. I’m drawn to what I don’t yet know. I’m very adventurous; I love stepping into the unknown. Through my work, I enrich myself on a personal level. In my professional choices, the idea of embarking on new and unexplored journeys is something that constantly guides me. Additionally, I’m deeply connected to the idea of sharing—ensuring that my professional endeavors are, first and foremost, human experiences. Of course, they are artistic ventures as well, but for me, true success is, in a way, about the personal journey I share with the people I work with. It’s about the human adventure.”
FIFO is a perfect reflection of everything that inspires the artist. For Franck Philippon, this window into the world of Oceania is an opportunity to see through the eyes of creators from a world different from his own. “The essence of fiction is to offer different perspectives on the world and to grow from them. That’s what I find truly fascinating—beyond just making a living from it,” emphasizes the producer.
Franck Philippon hopes to meet new talents. To him, success comes from daring to take action. One of his favorite quotes, his guiding principle, is from René Char: “Impose your luck, embrace your happiness, and go toward your risk. By watching you, they will get used to it.”
His key to success, rooted in a spirit of sharing: “Trust in your own uniqueness, your own originality. Don’t try to be anyone other than yourself.”
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