20 years ago, Nicolas Boucher, known in the industry as Snick, graduated from the School of Humor. Today he works on content for some of our biggest TV shows.
Co-creator of 100 Genies, producer of the content of Children of TV for 10 years, of Cuvée comique, of Open the quotes and of Testés sur des hommes, screenwriter of the Grandes interviews and the Comicographies Juste pour rire but also of 13 Galas (Olivier, Artis, Gémeaux, Québec cinema), which he also often directs, Nicolas was the perfect choice to direct the content of the Quebec adaptation of the international hit LOL: Who Laughs Last on Amazon Prime, where 10 comedians have six hours spend together without laughing. A really successful adaptation.
What does it take to be a good candidate?
We looked at what was being done in other countries (Japanese concept adapted in 12 territories including Mexico, Italy, Iran, Germany, France and Canada). In the Bible there is a desire for diversity in terms of age, body type, ethnicity, and humor style. It gave us the opportunity to invite someone like Yves Pelletier. Virginie Fortin is the first one I thought of. She does humor, improvisation, singing. She had the perfect cast. It took people who could improvise and love each other in life. Even without knowing who would be on set. The people at Amazon have given us a lot of freedom.
Photo provided by Nicolas Boucher
Nicholas Boucher
What characterizes the Quebec version?
This is where improvisation was invented. Comedians love each other. Elsewhere was a little colder. We feel our Latin American side, but also that there is no star system that puts people on a pedestal. We also have a nice mix of genres ranging from the absurd to the more engaging. Some versions are more pee-poo hairy.
Several authors are working on the concept. What is your contribution?
Sebastien Ravary works with Patrick [Huard] on his texts. Each guest has two writers to help them prepare their numbers to brainstorm. We have two or three meetings with everyone to see what they want to do. For example, Yves wanted to make thoughts of the day, Rich [Richardson Zéphir] wanted to impose fines with his policeman character Arnaud [Soly] wanted to bring his snorkel. We also brainstormed the costumes we would put in the workshop, the equipment and games to cast them, Patrick’s stunts, and surprise guests. It’s more brainstorming than writing. We also discuss the process. But for six hours the guests are really free.
How do you follow everyone all the time and make sure they don’t laugh?
We have ten spotters each watching a comedian. In management, we always aim to see everyone. We have 40 cameras, a dozen cameramen and robots. We are 36 in management. I’ve done several galas and I’ve never seen so many people. If there is a laugh, the assistant director pulls out the clipping to confirm it. Sometimes it’s difficult. Arnaud often has a grin that is actually his impassive face. In the beginning we let it pass to keep players safe for six hours, but as time goes on we become more strict.
What does each bring to the competition?
Yves is the legend, the fucked up universe, the absurd characters. Rich is also a bug. It’s a beast of improvisation. You think he’s going there, but he’s three miles away. Virginia, I talked about this earlier. Marie Lynne [Joncas] has a great sense of distribution. She’s an impressive player. Arnaud has a multitude of talents. That’s 1000 characters in four minutes. He gave a lot of himself to get others out of trouble. Christina [Morency], it is the rising star. She has an infectious laugh. Edith [Cochrane] has less of a comedic profile, but her quick wit keeps her on the road. Laurentius [Paquin] our veteran is able to play, make music, sing, an impressive improviser. Rashid [Badouri] Go for anything, never say no. He’s a soldier. Matt Duff is ready and open. They are so careful not to laugh at others that they sometimes laugh at themselves. We had made a pool between us and I can say we were all wrong!
LOL: who will have the last laugh
Streamed on Amazon Prime Video