Henri Picard has earned an enviable place among the actors of his generation. After Untenablehe will be added to the cast of the second season of Black Lake, in which he plays Raphaël, a werewolf. Needless to say: for this great fan of horror films, this project was a real gift in his life…
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Henri, what a great second season of Black Lake! Did the result meet your expectations?
Yes, I am happy and really enjoyed rediscovering the series. Since it had been a long time since we shot the film, the sight brought back fond memories. I’ve been a horror fan since I was a child. I watched horror movies at an age where young people shouldn’t see that…
What did your parents think?
I pushed my dad to watch horror movies from a young age. When I was seven, he let me watch certain films, but he removed the parts that were inappropriate for my age. I have such a special relationship with horror that it disappoints me to have heard so much of it at a young age because I’m pretty picky now.
Because you have a discerning eye?
Yes. Filming in Lac-Noir and playing a werewolf in Quebec, I don’t know if that will come up again in my career. So I grabbed the opportunity and was happy to take advantage of it. We were in good hands.
Photo: Julien Faugere / TVA Publications
Do you still watch horror films? Are you still excited about it?
Yes. I won’t see them all in the cinema, but I’ll stick with it. Lac-Noir reaches a large audience. I know people young and old alike loved the series.
What can you tell us about your character?
Raphaël is returned to Lac-Noir. He’s a werewolf. He is 21 years old. His parents were also werewolves, but they died when he was very young. He was born in Lac-Noir but left the region at the age of 12 to live in Europe and become a senator. He wants to take part in political decisions in the Werewolf Senate. He learned to control his powers at a young age. I think he’s more advanced than werewolves his age. Gabriel (Guy Nadon) took him under his wing. Raphaël is a young man who is quite mysterious, clever, intelligent and a bit of a gossip. I think he overestimates himself a little. He believes that he has already figured out everything in life. He will see great development in this second season.
You also made a remarkable appearance this year Untenable. There is a lot of talk about your character…
Filming the supermarket robbery gave me a lot of adrenaline. I loved defending this character. Tom is a young man who has no bad intentions, I would even describe him as nice. He has no criminal record. Since his mother suffers from Parkinson’s disease, they no longer have much money and have to continue to pay for her treatments. As the eldest in the family, he believes it is his responsibility to raise the money he needs. Theft is the last resort. He is also influenced by his friend Chris. He underestimates the magnitude of a grocery store robbery… Without excusing his act, we understand that he does it out of love for his mother. Our job as actors is to excuse gestures so that we can slip into the shoes of our character.
Are you naturally empathetic in life?
Yes, I am and always have been. I am also a sensitive person. It’s not difficult for me to develop empathy for my characters.
You’ve had some great roles in your young career. Are you satisfied with the journey you have taken?
Really. I consider myself lucky. Making films or television is a luxury. There are many talented actors who are not working. I don’t take anything for granted. I’m currently in a period where I haven’t worked for four months. I’m not complaining at all because I’ve worked a lot in the last two years. I leave space for others.
How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
I found a job at various events where I can, among other things, work as a bartender. I’m on call: This allows me to better manage my schedule since I don’t work full time. You have to stay busy and not wait for the phone to ring because that will make you deaf. Working is important for mental health. I started with events because the time was too long for me.
So are you taking advantage of your quiet beaches?
Yes. I watch a lot of films. For me it’s like learning. During the times when I’m not working and watching a lot of films, I want to work the most. It’s crazy! I tell myself that I would have liked to have played this or that character. At the same time, I am inspired by many things. I try to exercise regularly. This is also important for mental health.
In your job you have to learn to deal with brackets between projects…
Yes, really, but I was very lucky because I’ve had something every year since 2016. As I said, I’ve been unemployed for four months. We agree: it won’t last that long… Sometimes we wonder if it will come back.
Because of your parents’ experience (Actors Isabel Richer and Luc Picard), you quickly understood that rest periods are part of the job. Did you know what to expect when you chose this path?
Yes, I was well prepared in advance. When I was working I was told that it was inevitable that I would go through a period where I wouldn’t be working, that it could even be a year. Some last three years, and that’s not because they’re not good. There are also super talented actors who never work. I enjoy every project because I tell myself that it could end tomorrow… I am extremely grateful. I already know that I will be working in January as I will be filming the third season of Cerebrum. I can’t say more because I haven’t seen anything yet. I can’t wait to receive my text message.
Does quiet times give you a different perspective?
Yes. When I have time, I like to travel. I traveled to Europe this summer.
Photo: Julien Faugere / TVA Publications
With your friend?
Yes, with my girlfriend and two friends. We went to Rome, Italy and then to Barcelona, Spain. It was a very nice trip. I love Europe! I’ve been there three or four times so far. It’s a different world. I like history. A year ago I went to California. I traveled along the West Coast of the United States: I saw San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. San Francisco is my favorite city. There are several green spaces there and it is surrounded by water and quays that run along the city. I really enjoyed my short vacation there.
Season 2 of Black Lake is available on Club illico. Untenable, Monday to Thursday 7 p.m., on TVA. Season 3 of cerebrum is scheduled for 2024-2025 on Radio-Canada.
• Also read: Watch the Lac-Noir season 2 trailer