(Laval) In addition to showcasing diversity on the small screen, the series Lakay Nou promotes diversity behind the camera. This was observed The Press while visiting the show’s film set.
Directed by Ricardo Trogi and starring Frédéric Pierre and Catherine Souffrant, the series chronicles the challenges of a Haitian family settled in Quebec.
Main actor, co-writer and producer of the series, Frédéric Pierre, who plays the role of Henri, is proud of the pairing program that takes place on the set. This program, which aims to train and professionalize people from visible minorities in different positions (production, artistic direction, etc.), was designed through the actor’s production company, aptly named Twinning.
Frédéric Pierre recounts having taken part in numerous film shoots, but has never seen “more than four” black artists on a set. “Through my company, the idea was to create positions to mentor [les nouveaux dans le milieu]. »
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Director Ricardo Trogi gives direction advice to actor Frédéric Pierre.
When I look at our set, after a month of filming, and I include everyone, it’s not far from a hundred people [noires] which will be passed on Lakay Nou, season one. It upsets me greatly.
Frederic Pierre
Anderson Jean is one of the beneficiaries of the twinning program. The young trainee from observation to the realization on the set learns the rudiments of the profession by rubbing shoulders with Ricardo Trogi. In an interview, he talks about the real glass ceiling that remains to be broken. Seeing more and more black artists in the medium inspires him to pursue his dream of breaking into the television industry, with his projects as a director and screenwriter.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
The director intern Anderson Jean, on the set of the series Lakay Nou
I think it’s important to integrate this diversity behind the camera.
Anderson Jean, director intern
“I’ve seen it more and more over the past few years,” says Anderson Jean. I’ve scripted other projects before, and I’m seeing more and more emerging directors and screenwriters. There are several steps being taken in that direction, and that therefore brings more diversity players into the industry. »
Anderson Jean, who has worked on several music videos so far, is also blessed to do an internship with renowned artists such as Frédéric Pierre and Ricardo Trogi. “Comedy appeals to me a lot,” he says. “I wanted to be part of something more official, so a project like this is a great opportunity to see the full process of producing a series. »
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PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
“The engine of our comedy is cultural pressure and generational pressure”, explains Frédéric Pierre, actor.
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PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Fayolle Jean and Frederic Pierre
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PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
“We discover the characters at the same time as we shoot them”, explains Ricardo Trogi.
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PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Comedian Richardson Zephir
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A “real job”
Frédéric Pierre, who now has a career of more than 30 years, admits having worked hard to promote the Quebec television industry within the black community. He wanted to push the note even further, especially behind the camera. “On screen, I felt it was happening, but I was faced with the realization that the next step, [c’est à] directing, scriptwriting, production. There are still plenty of departments on the set for which I say to myself: “It would be fun to train people there.” »
According to André Béraud, director of drama programs at Radio-Canada, when they enter the community, young artisans face many obstacles, including overcoming the prejudices surrounding their profession. He wants to help break the stereotype of the “real job” that young people want to find when they arrive in Canada, by adding value around the Quebec television industry.
Upon arriving in the country, many parents cherish certain expectations towards the profession that their children will choose, and it can therefore be difficult to convince those who are starting out to take the leap into this profession. “We often say that we want our children to be happy, but when they tell us that they want to be garbage collectors, that’s where the parents want to have a discussion,” says André Béraud.
I think our job is a real job, and, as proof, it’s an industry that supports a lot of people.
André Béraud, director of drama programs at Radio-Canada
The story of Lakay Nou echoes the words of André Béraud. The characters feel the pressure to meet their parents’ expectations in different areas of their lives. For the director of drama programs, it was important to integrate certain elements of the reality of the Afro-descendant community into the script.
The actress Catherine Souffrant, who plays Myrlande, Henri’s spouse, hopes that the series will reach the widest possible audience. This is an opportunity for her to illustrate the reality of newcomers to Canada. “I want to prove the point that it is possible to identify with actors who are not from your community. There is something particularly jubilant about this experience,” she says.
The dramatic comedy Lakay Nouwhich means “our house”, in Creole, will be relayed during the 2023-2024 season on Extra de Tou.tv, before being broadcast on ICI Télé.