STAT has connected with Quebec audiences through its human stories and relentless pace. I had the chance to step inside that world for one intense, memorable shooting day — a modest contribution on my part, but one I remain very proud of.
Stepping onto a major production
My shoot took place on day 44 of a planned 150-day production schedule, on a Thursday in September at MELS Studio B in Saint-Hubert. By the time I arrived late that morning, the place was already buzzing. More than 70 cast and crew members were moving through the day under the precise direction of Chantal Des Ruisseaux. It was impressive to step into a machine that large and see how smoothly all the moving parts worked together.
Joining a production running that smoothly, with more than 70 people working at once, was genuinely impressive.
Playing Simon, right inside the story
That day I played Simon, a member of a foster family involved in a storyline about care, attachment and damaged family bonds. I shared most of my scenes with Joanie Lehoux, who played my partner, and also had the pleasure of working alongside series regulars including Virginie Ranger-Beauregard as Delphine Martin, Bruno Marcil as Daniel Laramée and Jean-Nicolas Verreault as Gabriel Lemaire. Getting to step into scenes with actors that experienced was a real privilege.
Playing Simon placed me inside a touching storyline about care, family and the bonds we try to rebuild.
Watching a memorable performance up close
One of the strongest moments of the day happened outside my own scenes. I had the chance to watch Véronique Beaudet, who played Ariane, work through an especially difficult scene as a mother facing the possibility of losing her child. The emotional intensity was remarkable. Seeing that kind of raw, committed performance from only a few feet away was a reminder of why I love being around actors at work.
Watching Véronique Beaudet work was one of the moments that stayed with me most. Her performance was deeply moving.
A small role, a real sense of pride
My time as Simon was brief, but that day on STAT stayed with me. Working beside such accomplished actors and becoming, even for a short time, part of a production of that scale — one known for nuanced storytelling and for the strong relationship it has built with its audience — was something I was very proud of.
I never expected this small role on STAT to generate so many reactions. Every message I received about Simon’s empathy or the tenderness of the storyline was a wonderful surprise, and a reminder of the very particular connection this series has with its audience.
