Discover the fascinating journey of Aurelie GILLET, Country Manager India and Traffic Manager at Peech Studio India, and CCE India - French Foreign Trade Advisors. She has been directing Peech Studio's activities in India and has played a critical role in the company's growth and success through collaboration between the French and Indian creative communities. This cross-cultural dialogue has the potential to generate new and innovative ideas while also bridging the gap between the French and Indian markets.
Country Manager India & Traffic Manager at Peech Studio India and CCE India - French Foreign Trade Advisors
Aurelie Gillet: When I arrived in India for a 6-month exchange programme in 2016, I knew very little about the country as a whole. I had a great time learning about the culture and interacting with those who lived there, which is why I wanted to return to India for my internship. I was only 24 years old at the time when I was looking for an internship. In this context, I met Malik Goulamhoussen, CEO and founder of Peech Studio in France, an agency that has been helping businesses with video content design and production since 2014, striving to make business video communication campaigns unique and impactful, providing services such as Animation (animated infographics), Motion design, 3D animation, Screencast, Film (video interviews), Corporate video, Video storytelling, Product video, etc.
The CEO of Peech Studio is of Indian origin and wanted to make an impact and connect with their roots by opening a Peech Studio branch in Bangalore, India. He chose the VIE route with the help of the Paris Île-de-France region, which was partly funded. I was thrilled by the huge challenge of building everything from scratch, including a new branch, while outlining the future ambitions of Peech Studio. Peech Studio today employs 50 people across France, Brussels, and India. There are over 25 employees in Bangalore. Since 2014, we have successfully partnered with more than 500 companies from various sectors and of all sizes: major accounts, startups, SMEs, agencies, etc. We have a lot of interactions across the different teams and give opportunities to our staff to discover India and France.
Aurelie Gillet: We have Indian clients, the vast majority of whom reside in Europe. We are convinced that the success of a video project is primarily linked to the creativity poured into it. In terms of outstanding art directors and animators, India is brimming with talent capable of working to worldwide design standards with its rich artistic legacy. India’s talent extends beyond the conventional notion of IT.
In my opinion, if you want to establish something in India, you should do it with all your heart and spend time with people.
There is a lot of competition in this country, and everyone has different skill sets and wants to perform at their best. Indian and French complement each other and get along well.
Aurelie Gillet: Business France assisted us at every point, especially with the backend and legal processes as a French entity setting up in India. We decided to work out of a coworking space named Numa India at the time (Now Link Innovation), and we joined every business network possible, such as the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a strong sense of Indo-French community in India, with individuals and CCEF leaders eager to assist one another. The Indo-French network was always providing me with valid information, regardless of the number of times I needed help. What is of the utmost importance to me is hiring in India. It is critical to hire the right person who will contribute to your success in India by providing them with the right income corresponding to their skills.
Peech Studio was awarded the SME of the Year by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) and Business France at Indo French Business Awards 2022 at French Ambassador's Residence, New Delhi.
Aurelie Gillet: There are multiple startup assistance programmes and incubators. In terms of administration and paperwork, everything has been streamlined. Multiple organisations assist all international firms in understanding GST filing and Indian taxation. Having the right partner also helps with understanding government regulations and working in India.
For more information on this portrait or on UJA contact olivia@uja.in