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Degrassi: The Next Generation, Makes The Trek From Toronto To Tinseltown

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:55:09 +0000

Eight seasons running. A cult in Canadian pop culture. Winners of the Gemini, Teen Choice and Directors Guild of Canada Awards.

And now Degrassi: The Next Generation finally boasts its first red-carpet TV movie.

But known as a “show of the people”, the season 8 finale Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Wednesday night at Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, allowed tons of lucky special-bracelet-wearing fans bask in Degrassi glory. A free-for-all for snagging autographs and pictures from their favorite cast members, and what’s more- the opportunity to enjoy the movie side-by-side with them too.

And the word got out not only to lucky fans. Among a packed-to-the-brim theatre audience was Camp Rock 2 stars Jordan Francis and Matthew “Mdot” Finley, So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, MuchMusic VJ Devon Soltendieck and MTV Live’s Nicole Holness.

Fresh off of an SUV limo, former Degrassi mean-girl star Lauren Collins (Paige), 23, seemed ecstatic by the outcome.

“I’m so used to just walking around in the area, and just grabbing a pita or something,” a smiling Toronto native Collins tells andPOP. “But all of a sudden you’re just showing up in a limo with cameras and fans, it’s bizarre- not really used to it.”

“But I’m so happy everyone came out.”

Collins represents the previous generation of Degrassi members who have left the show to move on in their respected acting careers: Jake Epstein (Craig) is currently the lead in the touring Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening, Nina Dobrev (Mia) is set to star in the hyped fall CTV series The Vampire Diaries, Aubrey Graham (Jimmy) is gearing up for his Hip/Hop debut as Drake- signing with Lil’ Wayne’s record label, and Shenae Grimes (Darcy) is shooting her second season of 90210 in Los Angeles.

This time around in Paradise City, old meets the new, as the Degrassi alumnus share the screen with the show’s newest characters. The bunch make the cross-continent trek from Toronto to Tinseltown where they try their fare share at making it big in the industry.

Jason Mewes plays himself as a director, who’s holding auditions for his new movie “Mewesical High”- which causes a stir among the students at school. Paige, who’s been living in Hollywood to become a fashion designer, hasn’t had the best of luck- finding herself rather working as an assistant to a reality star. But when her sudden audition catches the eye of Robbie (Dan Levy), a studio producer, she lands the lead role and invites old friends Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Ellie (Stacey Farber) down to come along for the ride.

This also causes Manny (Cassie Steele) to carve out her own journey to L.A. -along with Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel) and Degrassi rock band Stüdz- to claim that lead role which she believes is rightfully hers.

“It was amazing,” says Steele, 19, “you know, hanging with Mike Lobel and all the crew, good times laughing.”

But now what would Degrassi be without a little bit of Drama, eh? Well from Paige letting the celebrity life get to her head, to Ellie running into Craig, a former flame who’s been living out west in Los Angeles, clean from his season six coke addiction- the four-part season 8 finale has a healthy balance of everything on the checklist.

Directed by the series’ very own alumni Stefan Brogren (Snake), the movie was shot both in Toronto and Los Angeles. And it’s obvious that “going Hollywood” requires a few celebrity cameos -which the film delivered, sprinkled throughout the story- including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Mewes and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob), Vivica A. Fox, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

“Obviously having Kevin and Jason was so exciting,” recalls Collins. “And also Dan levy and then the L.A. people, I can’t pick one, it was just such a fun experience.”

Known to be avid fans of the show, Smith and Mewes made appearances on seasons 4 and 5, and an on-the-carpet Mewes was in high-spirits about the latest experience.

“It was great,” says Mewes, 35, known for playing the drug dealer Jay, in Jay and Silent Bob. “Those guys were great to have called me, and shooting with all of the cast was awesome.”

Degrassi’s latest Queen-Bee Charlotte Arnold (Holly J.), who was featured only in a brief scene, had nothing but praise toward her fellow cast-mates.

“For me this was exciting,” says the 20-year-old former Naturally, Sadie star, “because I had never seen the movie before, and truthfully, I hadn’t even read the script. So this was brand new, and what they did was incredible, so proud of everyone.”

And for Arnold and the rest of the cast, the fall season is just around the corner, which means back to school at Degrassi Community School for the next two months for season 9 filming. A 22-year-old franchise known to just keep on teaching the lessons of life, but the latest advice now: to catch Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood, on CTV on Sunday, August 30 at 8 pm ET.

Degrassi Headed To Hollywood

Eva Lam — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:21:16 +0000

The kids of “Degrassi: The Next Generation” are going to Tinseltown for the series’ first-ever movie.

Titled “Degrassi Goes Hollywood,” the movie follows the characters Manny (Cassie Steele) and Paige (Lauren Collins) from the popular Canadian series as they try to launch acting careers in L.A.

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz will show up in cameo roles.

The two-hour film, which was shot in Toronto and L.A. last fall, will air on the N channel in the U.S. this summer and on CTV at an undetermined date.

Fans can check out the trailer on YouTube here.

“Degrassi: TNG” finished airing its eigth season in April. Last week, the show won a People’s Voice Webby award in the best sound design category for its Halloween-themed episode, “The Curse of Degrassi.”

A Conversation With Paula Brancati: From Degrassi to the Toronto Stage

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:13:55 +0000

Paula Brancati’s first dream was to be a detective when she grew up. “I thought it would be a really cool job,” laughs the 19-year-old. “Then I found out that you had to go through the steps of being a cop, writing tickets and all that jazz, so that goal was quickly shattered.”

Fortunately, Ontario-born Brancati found something else that would suit her just fine. She discovered her love for the arts, and threw herself into the performing aspect of singing, acting and dancing.

Talking to Paula Brancati is like chatting candidly with someone you’ve known your entire life. Her friendly demeanor immediately puts you at ease, and her infectious laugh crescendo’s every few sentences. She may an up-and-comer in the acting facet of the world, but everything about her is genuine and real.

“I’ve been interested in the performing arts for my entire life in some aspect. I was in music lessons at 9 years old, as well as community music theatre and I caught the bug right away.” Brancati’s natural skill was not lost on the members watching her in the audience. “Gradually I was lucky enough to meet an agent who approached me after a show, and I began doing commercials. I landed the lead in a series (the Blobheads) when I was 14, and realized that I had a passion for film, television and musical theatre.”

Brancati’s new career path seems to be doing well for her. She is a key character on the widely acclaimed “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and is also starring in the CBC hit series “Being Erica.” Her past includes achievements such as the lead in “Cinderella: The Sillylicious Family Musical” and principle roles in the Disney Channel Features Cow Belles and Jump In! Paula’s film debut came in 2003 in the feature Cold Creek Manor alongside Sharon Stone and Dennis Quaid, managing to make her professional theatre debut with the Canadian Stage Company in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the same year.

Let’s just say she leads a busier life than the average Canadian teenager.

Yet Brancati is very humble about her success thus far. “My former director in musical theatre used to say ‘you know you’re in the right business when you can’t see yourself doing anything else’,” she says. “You just really have to be persistent, especially if you know this is want you want and what you love. It takes 100% of effort and soul.”

How does Brancati manage to balance her acting career and a normal life? “I guess you just make an effort. It sort of comes naturally to me, I don’t really stress about balancing both. I make time for family and friends, as they do for me. You realize as an actor, even though your schedule is crazy, other people have busy schedules as well. It’s more about making it work with people you love.”

Family is an extremely important component of Brancati’s life. Growing up, her family was a great source of support, and Brancati models herself after the way her family members carry themselves day-to-day. She refers to her parents and brother as her “role models” who are “loving and supportive.” All in all, Brancati comes across as a very down-to-earth individual. Her loyalty to her family is apparent as she raves about individual members. “I really admire my brother. He’s got his own goals and ambitions with music, and at 16, he really knows what he wants. It’s truly admirable.”

Also admirable is the time and thought Brancati puts into each of the characters she portrays in her different productions.

“Every character has got a little big of you in them,” Brancati explains. “I relate most to Jane from Degrassi, especially over the course of season eight. We share many qualities. We’re both very loyal to the people we’re close with. She’s goal oriented, knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go for it. She’s a cool chick, and definitely the most real in terms of qualities that we share.”

Jane from Degrassi isn’t the only character that Brancati has committed to. She was nominated for a Gemini award in 2006 for her role as Cally Stone in the show “Dark Oracle.” The show, created by Jana Sinyor, was a Canadian-produced series that premiered in 2004 on YTV. It followed the adventures of twins Cally and Lance Stone, who discover a comic book that gives them clues to the future of their lives.

“I was alone on the computer when I found out about the nomination. I was frozen for a good five seconds, and then I called my mom once I regained movement. It was super exciting! I was sixteen when I got nominated and Dark Oracle meant a lot to me. I put a lot of myself into the character. In the States I don’t know if they realize that this is Canada’s version of the Emmys in a way, so it was a huge honor for me to be a part of that. I put my heart and soul into Dark Oracle, so it was just a big deal. You just can’t really believe it.”

Gemini-nominated Brancati still looks to other professionals for inspiration. She is inspired by Kate Winslet, and believes that the English starlet is finally getting the awards that she deserves. “Winslet is phenomenal, and she comes off as endearing. I think women can really see themselves in her. She’s real and she’s not scared to get into the nitty-gritty of the material.”

Brancati also loves the work of American legend Al Pacino. “He’s amazing,” she tells andPOP. “I would love to work with him. I would be super intimidated, floored and excited.”

Do not underestimate this young actress though. Brancati has experience working alongside notable actors and actresses. She worked with the beautiful Isabella Rossellini in a pilot, even serving birthday cake with the star over lunch. Brancati chuckles, “It must be the Italian in both of us.” Brancati also grew and learned from working alongside Sharon Stone, Dennis Quaid, and Kristen Stewart (from Twilight) in “Cold Creek Manor.” Also mentionable is the cast that Brancati works with on the set of “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”

Brancati has nothing but praise for her coworkers. “We have a group of good people in our cast. The ages vary from 14-23. I really like the variety, we’re all really close, so the ages don’t even matter. We all talk in the off-season, and it feels just like a family. We have a laugh on set all the time.”

Fans can look forward to seeing more of Brancati in the future. “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and “Being Erica” are both airing right now, and Brancati hints to andPOP that there are big episodes in store for the next coming week. Also coming up is the Toronto production of “Dog Sees God,” a play that was performed off Broadway.

“I’m starting rehearsals in two weeks. It’s a great play, and it was just nominated for a GLAAD award in Los Angeles. It’s a twisted version of Charlie Brown, where the kids are all older screwed-up teenagers. I play Van’s sister, and I’m a committed pyromaniac. It’s a really funny production with a lot of dark humor. There a couple hooks, and a sort-of dark undercurrent to it. It’s going to be really good.”

Friends and coworkers of Brancati’s that are also appearing in the upcoming production are Jake Epstein, Mike Lobel and Adamo Ruggiero. They are all regulars on Degrassi as well. To get tickets or learn more about “Dog Sees God,” visit their website at www.dogseesgod.ca .

Where does Brancati want to see herself in 10 years?

“I would love to be switching from a television series, to working on films and performing on Broadway. It would be great to do all three. I want to be engulfed in the entertainment industry. Maybe by that time I will have directed my first film.” Brancati’s optimism and aspirations for the future are refreshing and invigorating. She contains a passion for her art, while managing to keep a grasp of what is ultimately most important to her.

“It’s a fickle, tough business, but if you love it you’re in the right place,” says Brancati. “I just want to see myself happy. Just happy.”

Charlotte Arnold: From Degrassi’s Queen Bee to Confronting the Face of Poverty

andPOP Staff — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:31:14 +0000

Holly J. Sinclair is Degrassi: The Next Generation’s “mean girl.” This season, not only is she head cheerleader and class president, she’s high-strung, short-tempered, and in short, the typical “queen bee.” “Pretty much everyone who started last year was a bit of a mystery at first, but Holly J. put herself out there very quickly as being annoying and trying to basically irk everyone at school,” says 19-year-old Charlotte Arnold, who plays Holly J. on Degrassi. Holly J. was a new addition last season, as Heather Sinclair’s little sister, transferring to Degrassi from a rival school. (Heather Sinclair, Arnold explains, was a character who was unseen and always mentioned on the show – “kind of a running joke.”)

This year, though, in Degrassi’s eighth season, Arnold says that Holly J. will be mellowing out, partly as a consequence of some stuff going on at home, but mostly because of a new relationship that doesn’t develop along the expected path. “She’s got a relationship starting this year but it doesn’t really go easily for her, she has to work for it,” Arnold tells andPOP. “This year’s kind of the chance where you get to see her…come back down to earth.” Arnold is excited to see Holly J. go through some changes, “simply because everybody wants to see their character get some other layers…and discover why characters act the way they do.”

Speaking of change, Arnold says that this season of Degrassi represents a change in generation, as well. “This is season eight, and everyone’s talking about [how] a generation is seven years, so this is Degrassi: The Next Next Generation, in a way,” she says. There are eight new characters this year, and the focus has changed from the university kids (the original cast members) to a younger teen set, which Arnold says is a great chance to bring new energy into the show, and a chance to put a new twist to tried-and-true material from previous generations. “The issues that go with younger kids are issues that go with university students…some of the simpler things that everyone has to deal with in high school, like feeling like you don’t fit it. It’s really nice for them to start touching on those issues again.”

So while Holly J. will have her plate full this season, Arnold is no slacker on that front either. It’s mid-fall, and while university students find themselves at this time, laden with projects and midterms, few can explain their hectic schedules the way Arnold can.

“Filming, school, everything kind of started colliding, so I’ve been struggling for a little while now,” says Arnold of the last few weeks. “But I’m expecting things to slow down next week; we’ll be done shooting.”

Arnold is in her second year of Ryerson’s Journalism program. September and October, she says, are the busiest months for her, since those are the months where filming overlaps with school. She says that she’s looking forward to focusing on school a little more, and to any possible projects that might come up once filming is over, like last summer, for example. In August, the Degrassi kids took a two-week trip to Ecuador, their second with Free the Children. The year before, they had traveled to Kenya to build a school, and this time, they built a community kitchen, dining area and water system at the main school site for the kids at San Miguel de Pomachaca. “One thing I really, really like about this particular organization is that they don’t put an emphasis simply on building,” she says. “It’s also about really learning about the culture and the issues and meeting the people so that you can put a face to poverty rather than keep it at arm’s length.”

And the Degrassi kids did indeed become firmly ensconced in the community and culture. Arnold says for the first few days, they spent some time in Quito learning about the city before heading off to the mountains, where they stayed in an old hacienda (an converted plantation that was formerly used for indigenous labour, which Ecaudor no longer employs). One thing that really illustrated the idea of “community” during this trip was a “minga,” a gathering of all the people in the area who come to help whenever a minga is called. “In this particular case, when we were having trouble finishing the school in time, they called a couple of mingas where just the entire community would get together and help us paint and build,” says Arnold. “So literally, we were working side by side with workers from the community, which was nice.”

Arnold says that it doesn’t take an international adventure to change someone’s perspective, but that her trips with Free the Children have made a huge difference. “I know you can read enough about it, you can watch it on TV, and it still doesn’t feel real when you get to a community like Kenya, for me, or whatever your first encounter with real poverty is. And it’s just shocking…. Until you see it, it’s hard to actually picture that it is occurring right now, in 2008, around the world.”

The buzzwords for Arnold this year, both in her on- and off-screen lives, seem to be perspective and change. And while Holly J. is on the brink of making a change, it definitely looks like Arnold is already there.

Shannen Doherty Feels Protective of Shenae Grimes

andPOP Staff — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:56:50 +0000

Shannen Doherty says she feels a kinship with her new co-star, Shenae Grimes of “Degreassi: The Next Generation.” The new friends are currently filming the new 90210 series.

“Maybe it’s because her character is similar to how [my character] started out,” Doherty told USA Today. “It’s also because Shenae is smart and she knows what she’s doing, but at the same time there’s a vulnerability there, and I want to put my arms around her and protect her,” Doherty says.

With her past experience, Doherty is happy to be able to guide Grimes through new-found fame.

“The great thing is that she’s smart enough that she’s not going to make the same mistakes I made. But because I made those mistakes, I can help her along the way.”

Your Introduction to ‘The American Mall’ Musical

andPOP Staff — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:04:50 +0000

Fans of “High School Musical” need to get ready for their newest love: MTV’s new movie musical “The American Mall.”

To help introduce their audience slowly, before mind-boggling obsession will inevitably set in, MTV will launch the official web site today, www.vmtv.com.

The virtual Mall site allows fans to get to know the cast, including “The O.C” star Autumn Reeser, “Degrassi: The Next Generation” cast member Nina Dobrev, and dreamy “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant Neil Haskell. The site includes virtual tours of the set, video diaries, and exclusive photos and footage.

Fans can then blog about the movie, and attend events, like the virtual karaoke party on August 22.

The movie, airing Monday, August 11, “is the story of Ally, a hardworking young woman whose mother has owned a music shop that’s been the soul of the mall ever since it opened when Ally was a kid. Ally’s singer/songwriter dreams seem to come closer to fruition when she meets Joey, a musician who’s moonlighting as a janitor at the mall in order to support his own rock star ambitions. While Joey understands her songs (and heart) like no one else, Ally’s happiness and the fate of the music store are threatened when the mall owner’s spoiled daughter Madison – who will stop at nothing to get what she wants – becomes involved.”

The soundtrack will be available in stores the day after it airs.

‘Degrassi’ Star Moving to ‘90210′

andPOP Staff — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:50:16 +0000

Canadian Shenae Grimes will soon be getting a new postal code. Specifically, “90210.”

According to TV Guide’s Ausiello report, the “Degrassi: The Next Generation” star has just signed on for a role on the new “Beverly Hills, 90210″ spin-off.

The role was originally offered to Hilary Duff.

Ausiello describes Grimes’ character as “Annie Mills, a theater-loving teen who relocates to Beverly Hills from Kansas with her adoptive bro and their parents.”

Adamo Gets Lots of Love at Glaad Awards

andPOP Staff — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:32:01 +0000

Canadian “Degrassi” star Adamo Ruggiero was so popular at the GLAAD awards on Saturday, he may have even made Rufus Wainwright jealous.

The crowd went so wild when Adamo took to the stage to speak about his decision to come out of the closet, that when Wainwright was accepting the Stephen F Kolzak Award later in the evening, he said, “I’m giving up my music career and taking up a role on Degrassi.”

The crowd also went nuts when “Degrassi” was announced in its category, though it lost the award to “Brothers and Sisters.”

Ruggiero made the bold decision to come out earlier this year. The 22-year-old has received much praise for his courage, especially considering that there are many stars who, even later in life, refuse to admit their homosexuality.

‘Degrassi: TNG’ Nominated For GLAAD Award

Eva Lam — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:27:32 +0000

Canadian phenomenon “Degrassi: The Next Generation” is nominated for best drama series at the upcoming GLAAD Media Awards.

The internationally acclaimed show is up against “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Greek,” “Brothers & Sisters” and “The L Word.”

Representing “Degrassi” at the April 26th ceremony in Hollywood will be actors Adam Ruggiero (Marco) and Lauren Collins (Paige).

“It is the honour of a lifetime, not only to be part of a Canadian series nominated for a GLAAD Award, but to present on the legendary Kodak Theatre stage,” Ruggiero, who is also slated to co-present an award, said in a press release.

“I am so pleased to see that Degrassi is continually being acknowledged for its contributions to the gay and lesbian community.”

The 21-year-old Ruggiero, whose character came out during a story arc in 2003, publicly confirmed his homosexuality on CTV’s “eTalk” and in a cover story in Toronto gay magazine “FAB” earlier this year.

Other presenters and guests scheduled to attend the annual awards ceremony, now in its 19th year, include Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon Stone, Janet Jackson, fashion designer Tom Ford, “Grey’s Anatomy” star T.R. Knight, Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel.

‘Degrassi’ Star Drops ‘F-Bomb’ on Live TV

andPOP Staff — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:08:08 +0000

Miriam McDonald, the 20-year-old star of “Degrassi: The Next Generation” dropped the F-bomb at the Gemini Awards on Sunday.

While presenting an award with Kathleen Robertson and Andrea Roth, McDonald followed the script and said the word that was intended to be bleeped out.

But due to a technical problem, the bleep never happened on the live broadcast.

McDonald said she’s embarrassed about the incident. “Oh man, I can’t believe everyone heard it,” she said. “I saw it scripted as WTF and that it was going to get cut out. But it didn’t and I feel just awful.”