With their absurdity and humor, television programs aimed at young people had what it took to convince the young Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard to watch them. The author also appreciated when animation took over the world of science fiction…
Mégabuge's photo from IMDB
Jean-Philippe, which children's programs impressed you?
Télé-Pirate, Le Studio and In a galaxy near you, all three for the same reason: their absurdity! All three offered a sense of humor that, to my eye at the time, seemed completely free and unpredictable. I didn't feel like I was being hand-held or given an educational guide, I was just having a lot of fun.
In a galaxy near you stock photo
What are your favorite TV memories from your childhood?
One of the shows I liked the most was Mégabogues. [une série animée de science-fiction]. The visual style, which was very innovative for the time, the sometimes quite dark atmosphere for a children's show… I remember listening to it with great interest. Otherwise, to this day I think a lot about a rather niche animated series that I saw on Télétoon, Captain Star, a kind of spatial waiting for Godot, with a very distinct style and great humor.
Captain Star photo from IMDB
Is there a character who influenced you?
Tintin! I've wanted to be a journalist for a long time, clearly because of him… even though we only see him work once in the entire series!
Is there another song from a show that sticks in your mind?
The Pokémon theme is still pretty catchy. Even today I can easily sing it in its entirety. The Pin-Pon theme song was really good too.
Is there a character you wish you could have played for children?
I think I would have a hard time living with the responsibility that comes with becoming an idol for children, like the characters in Passe-Partout. On the other hand, I would like to play a Muppet, a character from Sesame Street, or Bananas in Pajamas: that would be a total transformation and I would have the luxury of remaining anonymous!
What universe would you like to introduce to children?
Cartoons by Hayao Miyazaki. Some are too mature for a younger audience, but there are absolutely magical classics for the whole family: “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki the Little Witch,” “Spirited Away.”
What do you think of today's children's television?
It's wonderful to see how much children's television is currently growing, especially on public broadcasters. The Passe-Partout case is very interesting. It fascinates me to see how an update managed to work across generations. And of course, in my opinion, it is essential to offer local television to young people if we want to interest them in adult programs later. They are not the audience of tomorrow, they are the audience of today: there are already programs for them!
Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard is entitled to his animation baptism with the show Good match! which celebrates video games and will be shown on Télé-Québec on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and as an encore on Saturday at 12 p.m. The magazine is also broadcast on the Internet at the same time, is offered free of charge as a catch-up on video.telequebec.tv and is available via the Télé-Québec app. Jean-Philippe Baril Guérard's books are available in bookstores.