🇫🇷 Steven Clerima, French Head of Delegation speaks to oikotimes.com
Olivier Rocher (France)
Let’s start at the beginning. Who is Monsieur Clerima?
I’ve been working for France 2 for 4 years now, especially on music and entertainment programmes. I’m also a teacher at CELSA, a school of communication from which I’ve graduated. I’m thrilled with those new functions and I am more than enthusiastic when I consider all the good things that are going to happen this year.
A few weeks ago, France 2 has announced your nomination as the new head of delegation for France. How have you ended up in that new position? Do you know the reason why France 2 has opted a change? How did handover with Edoardo Grassi go?
The handover with Edoardo Grassi went extremely well, thanks to my 3-year Eurovision experience by his side, but also with Antoine Boilley and the whole delegation. I do wish to thank Caroline Got, Cyril Giraudbit and Marie Genest for their trust.
How would you describe your connection to Eurovision?
I’ve always liked the Eurovision Song Contest as a TV viewer, but I’ve truly discovered the magic of Eurovision in 2016, when I was the coordinator of the French delegation for the first time. It’s a one of a kind event, and I feel blessed I can work on this exciting project. There is a tremendous year ahead of us now, with our comeback to Junior Eurovision, the second edition of « Destination Eurovision » and the 2019 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest that will meet its promises.
Your very first challenge will be this French comeback the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Minsk next month. How do you see this baptism by fire for yourself?
I’m already familiar with the event since I attended the 2015 edition in Sofia as an observer on behalf of France Télévisions. I consider the event with a genuine goodwill feeling, and I’m looking forward for the delegation flying to Minsk ! Angélina is ready and is working hard in order to deliver a great, original and energetic performance.
In early 2019, the second edition of « Destination Eurovision » will take place (with a few changes such as the live shows, the language freedom…). Could you tell me a bit more about the national final? Has a date been set? Will there be new jurors and a new host?
It’s still a bit too early to give you details about the new season of « Destination Eurovision », but I can tell you we are working very hard in order to produce a high-quality national selection. The very first thing to deal with is the line-up and, at the moment, we are really focusing on this.
From a “Grassi” version of Eurovision to a “Clerima” one… What changes can we expect?
Apart from my job as the head of delegation I’m honoured I was given , I feel lucky I can work internally with a highly qualified and distinguished team. We already have a huge number of ideas on how to keep Eurovision shining in France as well as abroad.
What is your ultimate Eurovision hit?
“Euphoria” by Loreen with no hesitation! More recently I would say “J’ai Cherché” by Amir, for obvious reasons, as well as Dami Im’s “Sound Of Silence”, Laura Tesoro’s “What’s The Pressure” or “Dance You Off” by Benjamin Ingrosso.
What could I wish you for this new adventure in your career?
Just the best, I hope. Only the best!
Do you have a message for oikotimes.com’s readers?
I look forward to seeing you all across Europe this year!