Content Producer and Development Director at KOTV, Dominic Anctil has been associated with numerous TV projects including the eye of the storm and Between two sheets. At the same time he stages comedians like his brother Jean-Michel or Philippe Laprise, comedy galas and shows like e.g 1 time. He will be on the 4the Gemini Awards Gala. When he can’t say too much, his enthusiasm confirms the joy, heart and energy he puts into it with the whole team.
We can say that after COVID it’s finally a gala. Is this a return to normal for you?
In fact, we will find a full room. There will be reactions. There will be no distancing. But it gave us ideas to do things differently. Having them named on stage helps avoid the soft end as people stand up, hug, walk forward. On stage we see her beautiful dresses, her beautiful dresses. We also benefit from seeing their emotions immediately. We wanted to keep that spirit. But we wanted to bring back the festive spirit. It’s a rare moment when people from all networks are together. It’s a happening.
You brought in a newcomer for the lyrics, Pascale Renaud-Hébert. Is there a desire to change the tone of the gala?
It is the desire to get some fresh air. Pascale writes several series (Do you hear me?, For ever more one day, Chaos). She also plays a lot as an actress. The tone will be different. It is a proposal that we fully accept. There is a quirky, surprising side. I have the impression that we are reconsidering the formula. We even revisited the Maisonneuve room. There will be another Golden Globes page. A gala is a great laboratory. We have the privilege of trying things out at an awards ceremony. At each event, the death of Galas is proclaimed. We’ll have fun with that. There will be a lot of love for the people in the industry.
The shows with the most nominations were watched on paid platforms. Is it a challenge to present series that may not have found their audience yet?
The task of the gala is to get people to watch TV, to watch the series, to arouse their curiosity. All the better if some of them come. We have a hybrid listening mode, it’s the gala of all productions. We try to be representative of everyone without it being at the expense of the show.
You have been working with Véronique Cloutier for a long time. We have the impression that she has dared more in recent years and no longer necessarily seeks unanimity.
With kind approval
Veronique Cloutier
Véronique has a lot of self-mockery. She is totally accepted. She feels good, at peace. She loves the world, she loves television. We come up with a more outlandish proposal and she’s the first to say, “Come on, let’s go!” She’s a gang girl. We may lose people along the way, but we’re doing this gala for the world. Véronique knows that to create is to choose.
As I said, some people question the relevance of galas. Do we think about that when we create one?
We will know the position of Véronique in the opening number. This will be an inventory. It may surprise. You know, even if there were no more galas, we would keep working. Excellence in television production is believed to have exploded during the pandemic and should be applauded. People watch TV. They like it. It’s also a big back-to-school happening. And they are free to watch us or not!
♦ The 37the Gemini Gala, this Sunday at 8 p.m. on ICI Télé.