Francois Bronett -
The swedish circus man

Published: December 31, 2001
Francois Bronett was one of the most famous circus personalities in Sweden. He became world famous through his family’s circus, Circus Scott and many Swedish and foreign television programmes about circus. He passed away in Monte-Carlo in 1994, at the top of his career, as Artistical Director at the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo.

Francois Bronett came from an old circus family, which has entertained people for over 300 years. His father Bruno and his brothers, known as the world famous clowns 4 Bronetts, started Circus Scott in 1937. After the brothers passed away, Bruno’s widow Käte took over the business and made it the world-renowned circus it is today.

"The best thing with circus is that it is real," explained Francois Bronett. "What the performer does in the moment cannot be edited. He or she is completely left out to the audience."

He grew up in a circus family and learned everything in the circus trade, from juggling, walking on his hands, training animals and riding, to building the circus tent. This gave him good knowledge of circus.

Through the years Francois worked much with showing circus on television. The Swedish audience is used to seeing television shows like Circus Scott, Royal Command Circus, Circus History and many others. He also produced television show abroad in the U.S. with International Showtime, in Monaco with the Circus and Magic festivals, in France and around the world.
"On television you can’t experience the mood and atmosphere (on the circus)," explained Francois Bronett. "But it can give a picture of circus and help to make it more popular."

The Golden Clown at the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo is described as circus’ Oscar. Francois has been involved with the festival since late 1980’s, first as technical adviser, later as Artistical Director.
"Through doing different thing abroad you get more or less famous," explained Francois Bronett. "And if you are good at it you can be picked as an organizer."

About the future of circus, Francois was very positive.
"There are no bad times, only bad businessmen," explained Francois Bronett. "And if you have the right product, right marketing, then you can sell your product"

Today Francois sons Henry & Robert Bronett who runs Circus Scott and continue the 300 years tradition of the Bronett family.

Roger Malmer