I have always been intrigued by men. When I went to see my two grandmothers, I was fascinated by the residents who were there. I wanted to sit next to them and ask them to tell me their story. I think we don’t communicate enough with them… And there, I wanted to put them in the spotlight. Because what they experience must not always be easy. They are not at home, they are waiting for the end of their lives… There are some who keep smiling and who continue to do activities… But there is also a certain loneliness, which is not always seen, but which is well present. And then, a few years ago I read You will understand when you are older, by Virginie Grimaldi, who talks about a young girl who arrives as a psychologist in a rest home. I said it had to be brought to the screen. So I spoke about this idea for a series to Sandrine Graulich (Editor’s note: editorial head of the front page at RTBF) who told me that it was a great idea…
This mini-series is intended to be benevolent…
Yes, absolutely. Even if there is humor, I wanted to keep the human, caring side…, by showing both the condition of the residents which is not simple, just like that of the caregivers, but in a positive way, colorful, bright.
So you worked on writing the episodes with Mathieu Debaty. Did you know him?
Just in name. In fact, RTBF put me in touch with Octopods, a production company, which introduced me to two or three directors. The choice fell on Joachim Weissmann, who also directed the series Thirties. And he told me about Mathieu as a screenwriter. All the stars have aligned.
Writing is a fantasy that I have… But it would rather be for a novel, because for TV, it’s a different type of writing.
Did you not feel capable of writing the scenarios yourself?
No… Maybe it will come one day… Writing is a fantasy that I have… But it would be more for a novel, because for TV, it’s a different type of writing. I prefer to let the professionals do it. It’s still a little too early for me…
You preferred to whisper ideas into Mathieu’s ear…
I had the original idea, I created the series’ bible, I created the different characters, I directed the writing by giving ideas. But Mathieu also proposed ideas and wrote the dialogues. On the other hand, I was not able to be more present throughout the filming because in September, I hosted the morning show on VivaCité. I would have liked to, but it wasn’t possible.
Filming took place at the Filipino home in Erezée, in the province of Luxembourg…
Quite. I wanted a home in the countryside. The place was not easy to find because we needed a home with a lot of space to accommodate filming for 20 days. The setting was truly magnificent and the welcome was great. This was important because while there are professional actors, there are also residents and caregivers who play extras in the series.
Nicolas Lacroix in the role of the nurse, it was obvious. He really embodies this Belgianness and this youth…
Did you have a say in the casting?
Yes, but it was above all the director, Joachim Weissmann, who made the choice. Nicolas Lacroix in the role of the nurse, it was obvious. He really embodies this Belgianness and this youth… It was his first role in a fiction, but he is great. Laetitia Mampaka too. She has undeniable comic talent. And then there is also Zidani, who is excellent, as is Nicole Valberg who plays a resident… She is a great theater lady. Chantal Pirotte too… It’s still a phenomenon…
Mathieu Debatty has a small role as a handyman. And you, are you making an appearance?
Yes, I’m doing one, between episode 10 and 20. I didn’t want to, but Joachim insisted. But frankly, it’s not my thing. I like not being in the light. I got a taste for it. We’ll see what happens later, but it was a very pleasant experience.
You are still young, but have you ever thought that one day you could join a nursing home?
Yes of course ! We are all going to age, and we don’t know where we will be in 30 or 40 years… I have deep respect for these people who continue to want to live, despite their health which may be poor. It’s terrible, because since we were born, we have only progressed. And then, there comes an age where we regress. It must be terrible.
Headlines, 19.20
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Season 2 of The Dancer: “I can guarantee you that we will discover incredible talents”
From this Tuesday, Sara de Paduwa will present the second season of The Dancer. At his side, exit Ivan, make way for the choreographer and dancer Nono Battesti. “He brings a lot, says Sara. As he is a professional, he brings his somewhat technical perspective. He is very pleasant. It was great working with him. He’s all zen. We complement each other quite well, because I’m more into energy.”
We know that the coaches gave him a challenge: try to pass the audition by working on a choreography beforehand. “Fortunately Nono was there to help me, she smiled. I rehearsed a lot as a candidate. It took a lot of effort from me.”
Beyond this change, we will not find many modifications. The jury remains composed of Laurien Decibel, Aurel Zola and Agustín Galiana. While at reception, Héloise Blanchaert will always welcome candidates with kindness.
“The first season did well, so there wasn’t much reason to change, continues the host. The coaches are a little more settled in their role. And I can guarantee you that we will discover incredible talents. There was real enthusiasm during the castings. During the auditions, it will be very varied. There are really great talents here. Personally, it’s also a great experience, even if my favorite thing is game presentation. What’s nice is being able to vary between radio animation, The Dancer, The Big Blooper…“
The facilitator takes advantage of every opportunity that presents itself,”because I know that it is only a passage. I don’t think I’ll do this job for another 10 years.” His name has often been cited in France over the last two years, whether to animate Everyone wants to take their place on France 2 or Slam on France 3. Info or misinformation? “No, no, it was true. I made two pilots for TLMVPSP and then for Slam, game for which I was really on the shortlist. Hosting this type of game would allow me to stay living in Belgium, because I still want to be close to my children. I’m not ready to go live in Paris. It’s no longer my life goal, but if someone calls me, I’ll still think about it… But TV is changing too. The channels are looking for faces, popular on social networks and don’t care a bit about the experience you may have. I’m a simple girl, I’m not an influencer… I’m normal.”
