The City of Love is engulfed in the crisp winter breeze. Cold air blankets the capital of France with the winter season approaching. The Parisian charm, from the familiar cosiness of love to the snug comfort of soft cashmere knits and wool jackets, draws many in. To French actor Arnaud Binard, both come hand in hand.
In his latest campaign film with Moncler to welcome the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection, the French theatre actor strolls the streets of Paris alongside his daughter, Maya Rose. We caught up with Binard, whose most recent role in Emily in Paris garners him much anticipation for his return on the big screen, on his latest personal updates: style, career, and most importantly—family and love.
Over the years, you’ve had a prolific career in French cinema. What would you consider the highlight or most rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
“The Last Lord Of the Balkans” where I’ve been lucky enough to play the protagonist from 18 to 55 years old in a six-episode historical series taking place from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century in the heart of the Balkans stands out for me. More recently “Banking district”, a yet two seasons TV series diving into the secrets of the bank industry
in the heart of Geneva, inspired by true events, like a Greek tragedy of sorts in a conservative family of bankers.
You have starred in both French and international movies/series. What are the biggest differences between the two?
The size of the audience is a changer, and obviously, there are cultural nuances that open your mind, but some things never change. Though acting in a foreign language certainly reveals original tones and new colours you wouldn’t expect coming out of you, the deep stakes of narratives remain universal and tell how perpetual the struggles each one of us face are.
When deciding to take on a new acting role, what is your primary consideration—the script, the director, the co-stars, or a combination of factors?
The script, the script, and the script. To Paraphrase Alfred Hitchcock, “That said, working in good company is such a treat. Having your own artistic gang on a long term is certainly a bliss.”
Outside of your acting work, what are some of your other creative or leisure pursuits? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not on set?
Born and raised by the Atlantic Ocean and still living there, I spend a lot of my time in the water, especially for surfing or in the mountains for skiing or hiking. Although I’m an outdoor man, I love the effervescence of metropoles where I can find a constant flow of challenging creativity, from music to graphic arts or fashion. I am also fond of architecture. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in several projects with architect friends mixing ecological low impact processes and traditional crafts.
As an established and respected actor, what are some of the key insights or lessons you’ve learned about the film industry over the course of your career?
Finding your way into the film industry can make you feel fluctuating emotions at times: envy, frustration, cockiness and all sorts of egoistic disorders. To me, surviving these traps depends on how resilient, consistent, enduring, and committed to the craft of acting one can be. Knowing that there are no rules, no justice and no similar paths twice. Work, patience and faith in your destiny are key factors (in determining your success).
Looking ahead to the next phase of your career, are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about or new creative goals you’d like to pursue?
Yes, sure. I have been told that Banking District season three has been greenlit. Season four of Emily In Paris is to be released on 15 August. I am trying to take some time off right now and read as many proposals as I can.
Two long features have my heart but still are to be determined budget wise. I am also developing two series with great partners.
One is taking place in my home town Hossegor throughout three decades and dives in the international success story of the surfing industry between 1980 and 2010.
Many are excited for your upcoming appearances in Emily in Paris Season 4. As a show that features an extensive wardrobe and costumes, each character’s styling shapes their identity. Can you give us a little spoiler?
As far as season four is concerned, I can only say this: you are not ready! Like many other actors, clothing—and more specifically shoe picks—have always been ahead in my thoughts on characters, even if shoes don’t get to be seen on screen. Having the chance to work with Marylin Fitoussi and her awesome crew is a bliss. Her creativity is mind
blowing and she loves sharing thoughts. Nothing is left to chance with Marylin, even the smallest of details. She is such a brilliant woman.
Please describe your personal style. How similar are Arnaud Binard and Laurent G?
I must admit my personal style is not yet very stable. To be determined! Jokes aside, Laurent G and I have this in common that we don’t live in Paris. We are genuine outsiders, which I tend to like the most about his identity in the series. It is like being the underdog in a championship, it brings such a freedom of movement, an unpredictability in your game.
I understand you recently had the opportunity to work on a project with your daughter and Moncler for their Fall/Winter 2024 campaign. Can you share your thoughts and experiences about that special collaboration?
My daughter and I had never worked together before. It is our first collaboration and it has been very special for us. I can only be grateful to Moncler people for such a unique opportunity. She’s been studying acting in Paris for three years now and ever since nourishes a deep passion for the city. We were both feeling a little nervous at the very beginning — or maybe only I was, but we had such a special time not only thanks to iconic artistic director Robert Rabensteiner and to such a great character and extraordinaire photographer Boo George, but also thanks to Remo Ruffini, Gino Fisanotti and the whole crew at Moncler that the shooting got into a suspended magical time on the roofs of Paris.
Moncler is a brand you’ve been associated with. What do you enjoy most about the Moncler aesthetic and design philosophy?
Of course, the origins of the brand. Their unparalleled level of quality in the making and innovation tradition has been taken to another level by the vision and talent of Remo Ruffini. The marriage of the once French genuine spirit of the brand and the mesmerising tradition of Italian art and incomparable couture’s craft makes a perfect match. The collection we are advocating for is an everyday go to. The effortless elegance and casual feel makes it a dynamic and comfortable although outstanding garment.
Can we expect future projects between the father-daughter duo?
Time will tell. Maya Rose and I are both quite busy. Her career is on the rise and she is going to have to make choices. Although we love to share our thoughts on the craft and helping each other out, from time to time, sharing the same project first requires three major things: a script, a script, and a script!
