Emmanuelle Leboeuf of Paramount+ on Growing Up Inside the Company

She has a passion for working with music

Emmanuelle is a creative director at Paramount+. She’s worked on a bit of everything, from lavish Super Bowl ads to 5-second spots that played at midnight during a John Wick marathon.

We spent two minutes with Emmanuelle to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired. 

Emmanuelle, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I grew up in Paris, as my dad is French. But I am now living in New York.

How you first realized you were creative.

From an early age, I would play with my parents’ camera every chance I got. What’s funny is that I didn’t make fake movies. I used to make fake movie trailers. A part of me always knew marketing and advertising were real passions.

A person you idolized creatively early on.

George Lucas. Seeing Star Wars for the first time was a huge turning point. I used to fantasize about being a Jedi. When I realized that wasn’t a real job, I wanted to be the people who made it look real.

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

I have to pick two moments from college. I was awarded a Viacom scholarship, so Viacom (now Paramount Global) helped pay for my four years of school. That scholarship helped me get a Chris Rock Comedy Central internship on the merit of a script I wrote. So, I’ve had some form of relationship with Paramount since I was 17 years old—more than half of my life. I even got two jokes on The Colbert Report through that internship while I was still in college.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Chappell Roan. I’ve been a big fan for years, but seeing her dominate the music industry this summer has been very inspiring. She is on the verge of being a massive star.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I just binge-watched Insecure. Issa Rae is so talented. Watching that series made me feel like writing scripts, which is what I originally studied in college.

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on. 

“Mr. Garvey’s Survival Skills” for the Paramount+ “Mountain of Entertainment” campaign. I got to write the drafts alongside my managers and eventually … Keegan-Michael Key. There’s nothing like being in a writers’ room with our amazing agency partners from Droga5 and Keegan, workshopping a script. These spots are extremely tricky to navigate. It was a proud team moment as everyone got to touch the script in some way.

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A recent project you’re proud of. 

The Paramount+ Pride campaign. This was an extremely stressful project that ended up being such a labor of love and joy. So much so, that talent who participated in our shoot wrote messages to their agents to thank us for including them. This is not something that happens at most shoots. This continues a tradition of talent donating their time in lieu of payment. We’ve donated on their behalf to an LGTBQ+ organization, which was something I suggested. Pride should feel inspiring and celebratory. I feel that way every time I watch this spot.

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago. 

I’m obsessed with the agency Dutch Toast. I think the way they edit is inspiring and I’d love to work with them. Their Alien spot for IFC is one of my favorites.

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

Deadpool & Wolverine’s campaign was outstanding. Maximum Effort is having way too much fun and I’m jealous.

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Your main strength as a creative person.

I love working with music. I have written a ridiculous number of music parodies for work. But beyond funny songs, I have a knack for projects where music plays a part. I’m proud to have made a lot of music videos over the last few years. It’s so much fun to get to play in that field and act like a music producer for a month or so.

Your biggest weakness.

I have trouble disconnecting at times, which is particularly hard in the work-from-home model where your laptop and phone are constantly with you.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

I always felt I was adopted by the first team I joined when I started in marketing as an executive assistant at Spike TV. My SVP eventually promoted me off his desk. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and our producers. I still work for some of those mentors and some have become close friends.

How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.

I helped train a bunch of the younger producers when I was at Paramount Network. Wherever I can help someone get ahead, I’m happy to do so. Please always feel free to reach out on LinkedIn!

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.

Work in the food-and-beverage or hotel industry. My father, who is a mentor to me, is a big hotelier. I was able to get my start in the entertainment industry after a yearlong stint as a waitress and bartender. Plus, I make one delicious margarita.