Thomas Fantoli (Msc 2011), writer and film maker, releases his first crime novel, La fleur du péché (The flower of sin)

Until a few months ago, Thomas Fantoli (Msc 2011) was still working as a key accounts manager in real estate. Now, this EDHEC graduate is publishing his first crime novel, due to be released alongside an intriguing short film...  

EDHEC Alumni: Can you explain briefly how your project came about?
Thomas Fantoli: It took me two years to write my first crime novel, La Fleur du péché. I quickly thought about how I would like to release it and wanted to do something original. We all spend hours looking at the screens of our smartphones, tablets etc. so I came up with the idea of producing a trailer for my book.
Then I had to find people to help me, one team to make the trailer (actors, production and post-production teams), another to work on the novel (proofreaders, graphic artist, printer, etc.), and another to work on distribution. Almost 50 people are working on this project!
So on a daily basis it’s a wonderful challenge in both artistic and human terms!

As you await the release of your novel and short film, what is your initial assessment of this entrepreneurial adventure?
TF: It’s great to be able to say that everything started with a single idea. Two years later you give birth to a novel, a website and a trailer… but I really had to persevere to make all that a reality!
It’s a bit early to talk about an overall assessment, but one thing I’m sure of is that alone we don’t amount to much. I really believe that. It was really reassuring in human terms to see all these people support and contribute to the project, just because they believe they are working on something that makes sense.

Have you ever benefited from the network of EDHEC graduates?
TF: I’ve been in contact with a few graduates, who were able to put me in touch with some people. That saves a lot of time, even if it doesn’t always work out.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
TF: Above all to believe in their ideas, really believe in them. You have to constantly fight to make them a reality and not give up. The daily life of an entrepreneur always has highs and lows, so your morale has to be strong and you have to have the support of your friends and family. It’s important to be patient, determined and passionate. I think that’s essential to get a good start!

What’s next for you?
TF: I just want to sell novels! I want to make my book accessible to as many people as possible, and I’ve taken a gamble by marketing La Fleur du péché in large format at a retail price of €14.90, whereas the usual price is closer to €20. Pre-orders are available at www.lafleurdupeche.com.
It’s all very well to come up with a new concept to sell your book, but you still have to convert the try! Of course I hope above all that my readers will like the book. After all, an author is nothing without his readers!

What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates?
TF: I am looking for partners to produce a feature-length film of the book. Everyone says French cinema is short on good scripts, so if my novels can help out… and while I’m at it, I would like to direct or co-direct them!
I’ve started writing two other books and a comedy series made up of two-minute long episodes. So fundraising or finding producers to finance these projects are definitely among my priorities!
I just have to convince them that the novel would be easy to adapt. I invite them in the first instance to get themselves a copy!

Check out the trailer for La Fleur du péché

Contact
website : www.lafleurdupeche.com
La Fleur du péché on Facebook
La Fleur du péché on Twitter
La Fleur du péché on Instagram 

Thomas Fantoli : lafleurdupeche@gmail.com