I don’t want to have any regrets. I don’t want to think, to look back and to think, damn, I should have done this. You know why I didn’t do it, why, I don’t want to regret, I don’t want to have that feeling, so I’d rather try and fail, but at least I would have tried
Flavien Rousé
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Flavien Rousé has carved an unusual path in the creative world, transitioning from his early dreams of becoming a professional footballer to redefining storytelling through filmmaking, photography, and his innovative venture, NKFR (No Kiddng For Real). With a foundation of cinematic passion rooted in his French upbringing, Flavien’s career has spanned continents—from Brussels to Bangkok—bringing an international richness to his work.
Driven by a relentless ambition to tell meaningful stories, Flavien worked tirelessly for others in the creative industry before bravely taking the leap into entrepreneurship. NKFR, a creative services company he co-founded, reflects his commitment to producing authentic campaigns that resonate deeply. His approach is as versatile as it is visionary, bridging the gaps between brands, agencies, and production houses at any stage of the creative process.
Throughout our conversation, Flavien opens up about the challenges and triumphs of starting his own business, from learning the intricacies of leadership to maintaining a core commitment to creativity. He also shares how his experiences adapting to different cultures have shaped his innovative mindset and informed his storytelling, as well as his aspirations to create original content and develop his own intellectual properties.
In this episode, Flavien and I discuss:
- His evolution from aspiring athlete to cinematic storyteller and photographer.
- The leap of faith that led him to establish NKFR and his transition into entrepreneurship.
- The rewards and challenges of working across international markets, from Europe to Asia.
- How he embraces creativity and technology, including AI, to elevate his projects and streamline his vision.
- His plans to push creative boundaries with original documentaries, screenplays, and films.
Flavien’s story embodies resilience, creativity, and innovation, offering an inspiring message for anyone chasing their dreams in the global creative community. Enjoy the episode!
Q: What is NKFR all about, and what’s your role within the business?
Flavien Rousé: NKFR stands for ‘No Kidding For Real,’ and it’s a creative services company I co-founded. We focus on bringing stories to life through authentic campaigns, and I play a key role in shaping our creative direction and business strategy.
Q: How did you transition from wanting to be a football player to pursuing filmmaking and photography?
Flavien Rousé: I always had big dreams, and when I realized I wouldn’t become a professional football player, I turned to my other passion—cinema and filmmaking. I pursued education in filmmaking and directing, which set me on this creative path.
Q: What was the culture shock like when you first moved to Bangkok?
Flavien Rousé: Moving to Bangkok was a significant change. Initially, I faced language barriers and had to adapt to a new culture. I learned to observe and adapt, which helped me integrate and eventually thrive in this vibrant city.
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