Local youth passionate about their community and creating art are invited to take part in a new TV series showcasing arts, culture and the beauty of Northern Ontario.
Franco-Ontarian artist Mique Michelle is hosting Couleurs Du Nord, a new educational show developed by Lopii Productions in partnership with the French channel TFO.
The series will tell the stories of northern, rural and Indigenous communities through the eyes of local youth and teach viewers about their community's history, culture and traditions.
In each episode, Michelle will be travelling to a different community throughout Northern Ontario working with the youth on designing and painting a mural at each location. She will also participate in various experiences such as culinary tastings, visiting a unique place, learning about local traditions and customs or doing a fun activity with the youth.
“I believe the rest of Canada should be learning about Northern Ontario. It’s so beautiful and I really think everybody should see that,” she said. “Reminding people of the beauty and putting it on TV through the eyes of participants is a good way to put that message across.”
Auditions are currently open for youth aged 10 to 16 in Timmins and the area including Mattagami.
All genders and abilities are welcome to apply. No TV experience is needed.
The show will air on TFO in 2022.
“We’re really hoping to be able to find people that are comfortable to come and paint with us, that could show me around,” Michelle said. “I want to see everybody apply, I want people to get involved.”
The shooting in Timmins is expected to take place for three days starting Sept. 14.
Productions in Cochrane will start on Sept. 19 and on Sept. 30 in Temiskaming Shores.
Filming already took place in Hearst. Michelle said people were very welcoming and accommodating and she learned a lot about the water, communities, lumber, and how to protect the environment.
Last month, the crew and cast also filmed in West Nippissing.
Michelle said she agreed to take part in the project because of the Lopii Productions' team and to showcase the northern communities.
"I'm really hoping this is not the end, I hope this is Season 1," she said. "My messages and emails are being, 'Why not my community?' Well, then let's make that Season 2, let's do this."
To apply for auditions, click here.