Add young characters
Could we fill the so-called “adult” series, those broadcast in the evening, at prime time, with a few protagonists aged 12 to 17? The former vice-president of original content at Quebecor, Denis Dubois, believes that this is an interesting option. As examples of mainstream fiction popular with young people, the television man mentions Red bracelets, this adaptation of a Spanish format which depicts the daily life of a group of hospitalized adolescents. He also points out Runawaythis series by Michelle Allen which topped the ratings in 2018, painting the portrait of a young girl victim of sexual exploitation.
We have to make series that include young people. We must give them the same place as adults.
Denis Dubois, specialist in television development, production and broadcasting
“If they see a show with people their age, they are more likely to be interested in it,” points out Christiane Asselin, Senior Director, Content and Programming, WebTV, ICI Tou.TV and Jeunesse.
Adapt the language
PHOTO KARENE-ISABELLE JEAN-BAPTISTE, ARCHIVES SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The actress Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse, who appeared in the credits of Cottage
To avoid any risk of discrepancy and ensure that they offer series that depict the reality of adolescents and, above all, that use their language, broadcasters must consult them. “We have to talk to them,” emphasizes Christiane Asselin, Senior Director, ICI Tou.TV and Jeunesse at Radio-Canada. We need to take whole classes, children from different backgrounds… Not just “so-and-so’s child”. You have to ask them questions, ask them what they want to see…”
For her part, the actress Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse, who appeared in the credits of Cottagea series popular with young people on VRAK from 2015 to 2019, suggests that authors of fiction for teenagers trust actors who would like to “put the text in their mouths”.
“There are going to be some anglicisms and some somewhat niche expressions. The networks are going to have to accept this. But at least young people will be able to recognize and understand each other. »
Be bold
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RADIO-CANADA
“ First trio is not a shocking series, but it addresses lots of subjects that affect people. And it’s a big success on ICI Tou.TV,” says Nathalie Chamberland, director of youth programs at Radio-Canada.
Television for teenagers must think outside the box, believes Nathalie Chamberland, director of youth programs at Radio-Canada. “You have to dare the subjects, you have to show things. »
But how audacious should we go? Far away, believes Karine Vanasse, whom a good part of the youth audience discovered in 1998 as co-host of the Resourceful, a scientific magazine presented on Radio-Canada. The actress mentions Euphoriathis American series from the HBO network which is aimed at adolescents and terrifies their parents by tackling a range of themes head-on: sex, drugs, alcohol and violence.
It’s naive to think that after Euphoria, young people will want to watch a more sweet Quebec series. You have to be aware of the kind of audience they are in now. International series go far. We can’t give them just anything.
Karine Vanasse, actress
Should we consider the level of “audacity” ofEuphoria to capture the attention of young Quebecers? No, believes Nathalie Chamberland. “ First trio is not a shocking series, but it addresses lots of subjects that affect people. And it’s a big success on ICI Tou.TV,” she replies.
Hire social media stars
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RADIO-CANADA
Ludivine Reding in STAT. The actress, known to young people, contributes to the success of the show among older people.
Are you looking for young actors to fill the cast of a series? Consider actors popular with teenagers who have large followings on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and others. It is not for nothing that STAT, which stars Ludivine Reding and Lou-Pascal Tremblay, is equally successful with young people. And adopt the same strategy to find facilitators. “Teenagers have their star system,” notes Nadine Dufour, vice-president of content at Télé-Québec. Social networks give us popularity indicators. Why would we stop ourselves from taking it into account? It is not by seeking people between 30 and 50 years old that we risk attracting the young audience. »
Invest more money
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
“We have to put in the money,” emphasizes Karine Vanasse. You can’t present something to them that isn’t refined. Because they have access to lots of international series. »
Easier said than done, given the overall limited financial resources of Quebec broadcasters. But still. Teenagers want choice. “We need a critical mass of content,” says Nadine Dufour, of Télé-Québec. Because we are fighting in a sea of foreign productions. Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube are releasing shows in incredible quantities. To stand out, we must do more. To convince 13-17 year olds to go to Télé-Québec, we must have more than a program aimed at them. We must have two, three, four, five series… And have a recurrence, to give them a reason to attend Télé-Québec every week. »
The financial question is also essential for Karine Vanasse. “We have to put in the money,” emphasizes the actress. You can’t present something to them that isn’t polished. Because they have access to lots of international series. »