It is often described Street gable as the “ancestor of reality TV” in Quebec. When we mention this to Valérie Beaulieu, who produces the new version of the show, she provides a clarification.
“It’s really a docureality,” insists the president of Trinome & filles. “We used to say ‘reality TV’ because that’s the only term that existed at the time. A show in which we followed people in their daily lives had never been done before… except The Real World on MTV in the United States.
Broadcast on Télé-Québec from 1995 to 1999, Street gable painted a portrait of seven young adults who had left their native region to live together in Montreal. Why does Valérie Beaulieu want us to adopt the term “docureality” today? Because there are no “twists” (artificial scripted twists), no eliminations, no tests, and no hidden or robotic cameras.
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Valérie Beaulieu, president of Trinome & filles, the company that produces the new version of Street gable on Tele-Quebec
“Production never intervenes,” she replies.
“Ordinary” young people
The filming of the new Street gable began in early August. While in 1995 they lasted 10 months, this time they last 10 weeks.
Although it’s an old concept, Valérie Beaulieu firmly believes that the show will find its audience, largely because it highlights a group that is underrepresented on the small screen: 18-25 year-olds.
“Except in fiction series, where everything they say is written, and in very formatted reality TV shows of beautiful people in swimsuits, young people are nowhere on TV. I’m talking about real young people, ordinary young people, who don’t necessarily want to find love.”
Young Quebecers no longer watch TV. But if they see young people like them, with similar desires, similar goals, they could be interested.
Valérie Beaulieu, producer of Street gable
Valérie Beaulieu talks about Street gable not only as a producer, but as a former participant. In 1996, she was part of the group of roommates at the heart of the action. She had come to Montreal to “finish [sa] 11th year of CEGEP”.
The original concept is still relevant, says Valérie Beaulieu. The pace of the episodes will be accelerated, however. Forget the “contemplative” side of the time.
Another adjustment to be expected: the use of social networks. In 1996, viewers could send emails directly to participants. Without moderators. Without filters. As expected, the comments were sometimes brutal. “It wasn’t always pleasant,” says Valérie Beaulieu.
The public will be able to contact the candidates of the new Street gable. These exchanges will however be better supervised, warns the producer.