A television production technician, Yvon Bourbonnais has been leading video creation workshops in schools since 1997. He is an entrepreneur motivated by the independence that comes with being at the head of his organization. "It's rewarding to create my own projects and to have the chance to adjust, not to a directive, but to the spontaneous and honest reactions of students and teachers." Yvon likes the idea of surpassing oneself driven by authenticity, something he didn't find in his professional environment. His propensity to adapt, like a vulnerability brought to light, inspires confidence and is a vector for advancement since he serves as an example. Outside of established frameworks, it is the school of life.

Motivate through play

Teacher, it was option B, because Yvon is really committed to working with young people. "They are the adults of tomorrow. I invest in their future. We talk about societal issues and the reality of life." What does he do? Meet young people in schools, day camps, and recreation centers. He shares his expertise with them, talks to them about the world of television, behind the scenes, and sound and lighting techniques. Above all, he gets them involved.

"Then it's up to them to present news reports and interviews in front of their group." Passing on the creative spirit is also inspiring. Teachers are delighted by the awareness of the accuracy of the language that goes almost unnoticed. "It's a roundabout way of applying theory, particularly oral and written communication," says the man for whom French has always been a part of life, surrounded by a mother and aunt who are compulsive readers and writers in their spare time. Jaune Camion is also the title of the first theatrical work that Yvon wrote and produced, which toured between 1997 and 2001 with Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin. A play inspired by dramas that can touch young people.

Inspiration, a sharing of self and values

By giving them a voice, he instills a good dose of self-confidence in them. Right from the start of a workshop, he slips in an anecdote that captivates little ears and motivates them: “In my career, I have met hundreds of students. I remember one in particular… neither good nor bad, but who had difficulty fitting in. When it was his turn to present his sports report, he came alive. He was the one who shone the best in the class. And when I asked the students at the end of the workshop which of them had inspired them the most, it was this boy who swept the votes. A few months later, at the end of the year, his teacher called me back to tell me that the workshop had given this young man a reason to be at school.” A rewarding exercise that inspires Yvon. And which makes him inspiring. An absolutely virtuous circle.

“Inclusion is important, no matter who you are,” says Yvon. “Be open to others.” Aware of having been privileged to come from a background where the community was tight-knit and proud, Yvon chooses to give back. “It’s like an overflowing of receiving!” A Rousseauist, he is naturally empathetic: “I’ve always been like that, I didn’t like to see a friend left aside, so I would go and get him, we became friends.”

What is Yvon passionate about?

His sources of inspiration?

Quebec directors, producers and actors André Melançon and Rock Demers, creators of our youth classics. Yvon even worked with the production team of La Guerre des Tuques in the 1990s!

How does Danièle Henkel inspire him? She projects the same values as him to propel young people forward. "Having the audacity to try, accepting to make mistakes, seeing yourself as a winner, finding the resources, believing in your dreams." For this same ability to listen and empathize that also drives her. For the values of respect, honesty, trust and inclusion, which are at the heart of her own motivations.

Note: Merchants, this is for you! Productions Jaune Camion, in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, is launching a French awareness campaign through short films, Bien écrire en français, ça s'affiche! until the end of March 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=x9z5KibPyhs&feature=emb_logo