1. AMONG THE PROJECTS YOU HAVE RECENTLY CARRIED OUT, HAVE YOU CARRIED OUT ANY PROJECTS WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS (IN GESTATION, IN THE PROCESS OF BEING SET UP OR ALREADY DEVELOPED)?
At the first edition of NUMIX LAB, we had the chance to present MEGACETA, a project developed with the tropical aquarium at the Palais de la Porte Dorée. Many members of the delegation came to test the experiment. I was very nervous! I knew that many of these professionals were used to producing or directing immersive experiences. But the result was very rewarding: we were reassured that our project was solid, it raised a number of avenues for improvement, and we were able to think about other potential collaborations.
For my part, NUMIX LAB was also an opportunity to discover MEGACETA in physics. This was an experiment we had set up during the pandemic. So when I arrived in Paris, I came straight away to find out more about the experiment!
More broadly, the majority of our contracts currently under development are in Quebec, Ontario, the United States, Dubai and France. But we’re gradually expanding into other European countries, such as Belgium and Luxembourg. In the case of Luxembourg, for example, I had not yet begun to delve into its economic market before NUMIX LAB. Thanks to the 2022 Luxembourg edition, doors are opening.
2. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THEM IN BROAD TERMS (TARGET AUDIENCE, PLANNED PROJECTS, MODEL OF COLLABORATION WITH YOUR PARTNERS)?
At CREO, we’re all about creating memorable experiences that make people want to learn. So we tend to collaborate with museums, science centers or aquariums. Our aim is to make the spectacular rhyme with scientific mediation, so that people learn in a fun, active and playful way.
In terms of partnerships, I’m thinking of sound production, for example. MEGACETA’s was developed here in Montreal. NUMIX LAB enabled us to identify collaborators who helped us to be our local ear, on site, so that we could adjust the sound integration – something we can’t do remotely.
We’re currently looking for funding to take this experiment further. We’re looking to expand our content into other formats. Both in longer, one-hour formats, but also in other formats, such as immersive rooms with interactive floors, domes or VR. NUMIX LAB enables us to identify partners for co-productions, financing and distribution. These partners enable us to pool our know-how to meet the needs of different markets. This is very encouraging!
3. TO WHAT EXTENT HAVE THESE PROJECTS BEEN FACILITATED OR ENCOURAGED BY XN QUEBEC’S INITIATIVES?
First of all, Xn Québec helps us by inviting us to NUMIX LAB! This approach is particularly relevant because it brings together places – including scientific cultural venues – and producers or creators.
Another point that seems important to me is that of bringing producers together, because we all share the same challenges. It’s very interesting to discuss how we structure our teams, and how we manage and develop our respective studios. This brings us together to think about what we can do together through our different areas of expertise. These quality discussions go further than a five-minute meeting and give us the depth of thought we need to raise ideas for opportunities.
The best way to develop a project abroad is through collaborative or co-creation models. The NUMIX LAB format is perfectly suited to this, as it brings together small groups in which quality relationships are forged. You can really identify who you’d like to play with in the future, whether for R&D projects, production or marketing.
4. DURING THE LAST EDITION OF NUMIX LAB, HOW MANY CONTRACTS DID YOU SIGN OR NEGOTIATE AND, IF APPLICABLE, CAN YOU SHARE A RANGE OF YOUR REALIZED AND/OR ANTICIPATED GROSS REVENUES OUTSIDE QUEBEC?
Time will tell. To maximize the impact and benefits of NUMIX LAB, I take every opportunity to travel locally and tour the trade, as was the case in November 2022 when I went to Belgium, Lille and Paris.
Interviewed on February 16, 2023 by Baudouin Duchange {CORRESPONDANCES DIGITALES]
NUMIX LAB 2022 co-produced by Xn Québec and {CORRESPONDANCES DIGITALES] has been made possible thanks to collaboration with the Film Fund Luxembourg, the Région Grand EstEsch2022 – European Capital of Culture and the K8 Institut für strategische Ästhetik, as well as financial support from the Government of Quebec, the City of Montreal and the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC).
