Lights, Camera, Inclusion
In the new season of Lights, Camera, Inclusion, titled “Children and Youth Content Matters,” Now & Next lead editor Gaëlle Essoo traveled to Toronto and Montreal, meeting with top figures in kids’ content. Over the course of five engaging discussions, we learn not to underestimate young audiences, never to discount the power of children and youth stories, and that authentically diverse stories require means, adaptability, and intention.
Episode 1: Rennata Lopez and Georgina Lopez
The pair discusses authentic representation, unscripted storytelling, and children’s natural empathy and curiosity.
For this first episode, Now & Next’s Lead Editor Gaëlle Essoo is joined by twin sisters Rennata Lopez and Georgina Lopez, both executive producers and cofounders of Lopii Productions. The pair founded the company in 2018, with the objective of creating shows that allow every child to see themselves on TV. They focus on stories being told authentically, with as much diversity behind as in front of the camera.
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Episode 2: J.J. Johnson
J.J. Johnson discusses the value and uniqueness of Canadian children shows, taking a stand in favour of gender parity, and the importance of taking risks.
For this second episode, Now & Next Lead Editor Gaëlle Essoo welcomes J.J. Johnson, creator, director, executive producer, and founding member of Sinking Ship Entertainment. J.J. shares his journey in creating award-winning children’s content that champions diversity, authenticity, and innovation. His approach includes tackling complex subjects like environmental activism and spirituality, striving to address the issues that resonate with young viewers today.
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Episode 3: Dr. Kris Alexander
The “Video Games Professor” discusses the educational potential of gaming, the importance of curating video games for young people and how inclusion and belonging are tied to the ability to create.
Now & Next’s Lead Editor Gaëlle Essoo is joined on this third episode by Dr. Kris Alexander, Associate Professor of game design at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and Director of the Red Bull Gaming Hub at the Creative school, TMU. Dr. Alexander is an advocate for using video games as an interactive and powerful learning tool, and is a huge believer in empowering young people to create their own games and worlds. He believes parents have a central role to play when it comes to curating inclusive games for their children.
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Episode 4: Judith Beauregard, Florence Roche and Marya Zarif
The trio discusses the responsibility of creating inclusive content for children, the transformative power of youth media, and creative means to tackle sensitive topics.
In this fourth episode, Now & Next’s Lead Editor Gaëlle Essoo welcomes Judith Beauregard and Florence Roche, co-founders and co-directors of Tobo Studio, as well as Marya Zarif, author and creator of the animated series Dounia. Together, they explore the challenges and responsibilities of creating children’s content that reflects the world in all its diversity.
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Episode 5: Simon Villeneuve and Francis Papillon
The pair discusses the importance of passing on Indigenous culture to younger generations, the challenges of bringing these stories to a wider audience, and the creation of bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
To wrap up this third season, Gaëlle Essoo, Lead Editor of Now & Next, speaks with Simon Villeneuve, founder of Andicha Média, a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, and the creator of the youth program Savoirs légendaires, as well as with Francis Papillon, the show’s creative director. Together, they explore how media can serve as a platform to highlight the diversity of Indigenous cultures and how listening and humility are essential to fruitful creative partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals.
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