Filmmaker Chloé Robichaud can count on an invaluable collaborator on the set of her next film, Happy Days. Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin managed to find time in his busy schedule to participate in the project as an artistic advisor.

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In filming since last Wednesday, Happy Days will star actress Sophie Desmarais as a young conductor and rising star on the Montreal scene who has a complex relationship with her father and agent, played by Sylvain Marcel. .

Seduced by the subject of this third feature film by Chloé Robichaud (Sarah prefers running, Country), Yannick Nézet-Séguin agreed to get involved as artistic advisor and musical consultant. The musicians of the Orchester Métropolitain (of which Nézet-Séguin is principal conductor and artistic director) also take part in the filming of the film.

New experience

"It's a whole new experience for me and I find it fascinating," said Yannick Nézet-Séguin, joined in the afternoon on the set of the feature film.

“I'm here to help the musicians who play for real in the film. I also try to guide Sophie [Desmarais] for the scenes in which her character leads her orchestra. But above all, I'm here to support Chloé's vision. In this case, she is the conductor. I am the solo violin!” he says, laughing.

Concern for realism

Yannick Nézet-Séguin started getting involved in the project two years ago, advising Chloé Robichaud on the musical choices and the film's script. He also spent time with Sophie Desmarais to help her study and learn the gestures of conductors.

“He is really very involved in the film, points out Chloé Robichaud. Thanks to his contribution, all the details have been taken care of so that we treat the world of classical music in the most realistic way possible. I'm in a Cadillac with Yannick!”

The filming of Happy Days continues until July 6. The film will be released in 2023.