Time doesn’t seem to have any effect on him. Since 2007, Joan Faggianelli has continued to cultivate the part of children present to him by brilliantly hosting all of Gulli’s youth programs. After making the show cult In Ze Boxbroadcast from 2007 to 2018 on the Dix-Huit, the 48-year-old presenter is now at the helm of a groundbreaking new programme: Mission Gulliverse ! In this children’s game, participants are immersed in the virtual world. For Tele-Leisurethe friendly host explained the concept and looked back on his long television career.
Joan Faggianelli : “We wanted a game with new codes“
Tele-Leisure : Can you explain what is Mission Gulliverse ?
Joan Faggianelli : Two pairs of children confront each other in the real and the virtual. With a virtual reality headset, they can enter the Gulliverse and embody video game avatars. In this world, they participate in dance or archery events, for example. The goal is to qualify for the final in order to beat the horrible Juke Boss, the villain of the game.
The continuation under this advertisement
How was this game born?
With the Gulli teams, we worked on our targets and understood that the virtual world and that of video games interested children. We wanted a game with new codes, a new way of seeing things and above all something that meets the expectations of the youngest. We worked on the different expectations of the 4-10 and 10-14 targets and realized that the virtual world was of great interest to them. It is an original format, unique in the world and 100% French!
Who can register?
The team must be made up of one child between 8 and 10 years old and another between 12 and 14 years old. Both must form an accomplice and dynamic duo.
Gulli’s presenter confides: “A real relationship of trust has been created with the channel“
Is it difficult to implement an entertainment program on a channel dedicated to cartoons?
We must always renew ourselves and offer a new offer that is different from the programs that can be found elsewhere. Our way of talking to children must be different from that of 20 years ago. We must not overplay and be natural. I have to constantly evolve, even if I remain the same, I remain Joan (he laughs). I have to find different formulations so as not to pass for a boomer.
The continuation under this advertisement
How is your collaboration with Soanne, your co-host, going?
I fell in love with Anne-So, I feel like I have my little sister. We get along very well on the air and in life, it’s friendly, almost family! It was her first animation on television even though she is on the radio. She is very intelligent, she understood television codes and adapted quickly. It is a real pleasure to work alongside her.
Are you still so fulfilled on Gulli?
Yes, I still feel good about it. I have been there since 2007 and a real relationship of trust has been created. The channel involves me in project discussions. My work is fulfilling, I always have to work and adapt to a youth that is constantly evolving.
Joan Faggianelli (Mission Gulliverse) : “My son is watching me on Gulli“
Have you ever felt desires elsewhere?
The generalist channels offered me games, but I was never attracted by the formats and I had no certainty that it could work. Even if they were all beautiful projects. I was also offered to host reality TVbut I don’t think I’m cut out for that.
The continuation under this advertisement
How did you experience stoppingIn ze box in 2018?
This game taught me everything! I got to know animation and television thanks to this program. I lived his stop quite smoothly. We wanted, already two years ago, to create something at least as good, or even better. What is cool today is to have kept this closeness with my first viewers on social networks, some of whom became young parents. They often tell me, when I pass them in the street, that I spent all their childhood. I’m a bit like Mr. Gulli (he’s laughing).
Your five year old son aware of your popularity with children?
At first, he didn’t understand why people came to take pictures with me. Today he understood who I was and looks at me on Gulli. He cannot participate in Mission Gulliverse because it is still too small and that would create a major conflict of interest.
