Degrassi Goes Hollywood
Encyclopedia
Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood is a 2009 Canadian film adaptation of the popular, long-running teenage drama Degrassi: The Next Generation
. The movie premiered in the United States on The N on 14 August 2009, and in Canada on CTV
on 30 August 2009. It was directed by veteran Degrassi actor-director, Stefan Brogren
. Degrassi Goes Hollywood is the first feature-length movie of the Next Generation cast, and the second feature-length film in the Degrassi franchise, the first being 1992's School's Out
in which Brogren co-starred. Degrassi Goes Hollywood is the first in-continuity Degrassi production recorded and/or set principally outside of Canada. For syndication purposes, the film has been shown as a four-part episode titled "Paradise City".
An extended version of the film was released as a bonus on the show's season 8 DVD on 1 September 2009.
, California as they attempt to live out their dreams. While Manny Santos
continues to pursue her acting career, Paige Michalchuk
manages to acquire a leading role in a Hollywood film directed by Jason Mewes
about his high school story and the girl of his dreams, Trixie. The dramatic relationship between Craig Manning and Ellie Nash continues to intensify after years of turbulence. Meanwhile, Stüdz—the band composed of Peter, Danny, and Sav—seems to be headed towards their big break.
Former Degrassi: The Next Generation co-star, Shenae Grimes
and her current series, 90210
, are spoken of in dialogue by Hailey Montel (Mary Ashton) at a party, making Grimes the first Degrassi actor to exist within the Degrassi fictional universe independently of her character. Her Degrassi character, Darcy Edwards
is neither seen nor referred to in Degrassi Goes Hollywood, and was said to be volunteering in Africa
in a previous season. The line of dialogue, "Does 90210 have an After Show?" also refers to the Canadian series The After Show
, which is co-hosted by Daniel Levy who plays Robbie in the film. Also making an appearance is Romina D'Ugo, who appeared on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada
, as well as Janna Polzin, who was runner-up on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
This was done again the following year with Degrassi Takes Manhattan
, when The After Show' s Jessi Cruickshank
mentions Drake
.
Stacey Farber earned a Gemini Award
nomination for best performance in a children's or youth program or series, as Ellie Nash in "Paradise City (Part Three)". The award was won by Michael Seater (who also appeared in Degrassi Goes Hollywood) for his work on Life with Derek
. He would then star beside Farber in 18 to Life
.
25 August 2009. It features songs from little known Canadian artist as well as five original songs performed by cast members Cassie Steele
and Jake Epstein
. Some of the songs featured on it were previously used in the show, thus making this the eighth season soundtrack as well.
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Degrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama television series set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. Degrassi is the fourth fictional series in the Degrassi franchise, and follows The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, and...
. The movie premiered in the United States on The N on 14 August 2009, and in Canada on CTV
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
on 30 August 2009. It was directed by veteran Degrassi actor-director, Stefan Brogren
Stefan Brogren
Stefan Brogren is a Canadian actor and director. He is best known as Archibald "Archie"/"Snake” Simpson in the Degrassi franchise of television shows.-Career:...
. Degrassi Goes Hollywood is the first feature-length movie of the Next Generation cast, and the second feature-length film in the Degrassi franchise, the first being 1992's School's Out
School's Out (film)
School's Out is a 1992 Canadian television movie featuring the characters of the popular Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High series. The show's longtime team of writers scripted this feature-length movie and shot it during the summer of 1991 to be shown on CBC Television during the new year...
in which Brogren co-starred. Degrassi Goes Hollywood is the first in-continuity Degrassi production recorded and/or set principally outside of Canada. For syndication purposes, the film has been shown as a four-part episode titled "Paradise City".
An extended version of the film was released as a bonus on the show's season 8 DVD on 1 September 2009.
Plot
As the name suggests, the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation travels to Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California as they attempt to live out their dreams. While Manny Santos
Manny Santos
Manuella "Manny" Santos is a fictional character portrayed by Cassie Steele on the television show Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Season 1:...
continues to pursue her acting career, Paige Michalchuk
Paige Michalchuk
Paige Michalchuk is a fictional character in the TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation, portrayed by Lauren Collins.Paige was initially presented as the stereotypical "Queen bee": rich, snobby, and popular...
manages to acquire a leading role in a Hollywood film directed by Jason Mewes
Jason Mewes
Jason Edward Mewes is an American television, film actor, and internet radio show host best known for playing Jay, the vocal half of the duo Jay and Silent Bob, in longtime friend Kevin Smith's films.-Early life:...
about his high school story and the girl of his dreams, Trixie. The dramatic relationship between Craig Manning and Ellie Nash continues to intensify after years of turbulence. Meanwhile, Stüdz—the band composed of Peter, Danny, and Sav—seems to be headed towards their big break.
Cast
- Raymond Ablack portrays Sav Bhandari, a guitarist in the Degrassi Community School rock band, Stüdz.
- Charlotte ArnoldCharlotte ArnoldCharlotte Arnold is a Canadian film actress and television actress best known as the character of Holly J. Sinclair in Degrassi: The Next Generation and Sadie Hawthorne in the Canadian TV series Naturally, Sadie.- Biography :...
portrays Holly J. SinclairHolly J. SinclairHolly J. Sinclair is a fictional character on the Canadian television drama Degrassi: The Next Generation and is portrayed by Charlotte Arnold. Holly J., the adopted sister of unseen character Heather Sinclair, is the Queen Bee of Degrassi Community School. Holly J...
, Degrassi student and employee at the Dot Grill. - Mary Ashton portrays reality show star Hailey Montel, Paige's employer/peer.
- Kelly CarlsonKelly CarlsonKelly Lee Carlson is an American actress and model. She is best known for her role as Kimber Henry on Nip/Tuck. In 2001 she was listed on Tear Sheet Magazines 50 Most Beautiful list.-Career:...
, makes a cameo appearance along side Vivica A. Fox. - Lauren CollinsLauren CollinsLauren Felice Collins is a Canadian actress that is perhaps best known for portraying Paige Michalchuk on Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Life and career:...
portrays Paige Michalchuk, Degrassi alumna, who lands the leading role in a Hollywood production, but clashes with the director, Jason Mewes. - Nina DobrevNina DobrevNina Dobrev is a Bulgarian-Canadian actress. She played the role of Mia Jones, the single teenage mother, on Degrassi: The Next Generation, from the show's sixth to ninth season...
portrays Mia Jones, a student at Degrassi, single mother, and Peter's girlfriend. - Jake EpsteinJake EpsteinJacob Lee "Jake" Epstein is a Canadian actor and singer, perhaps best known for playing Craig Manning, a bipolar musician, on Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Personal life:...
portrays Craig Manning, an up-and-coming singer and songwriter who dropped out of Degrassi to pursue his musical career. - Stacey FarberStacey FarberStacey Anne Farber is a Canadian actress who is best known for playing Eleanor "Ellie" Nash in seasons 2 through 7 of the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
portrays Ellie Nash, a Degrassi alumnus whose relationship with Craig becomes increasingly complicated when she meets him again in Los Angeles. - Vivica A. FoxVivica A. FoxVivica Anjanetta Fox is an American actress and television producer. She is best known for her roles in the films Independence Day, Set It Off, Soul Food, Why Do Fools Fall In Love,Kill Bill and Juwanna Mann....
makes a cameo appearance in the film. - Yani GellmanYani GellmanYani Gellman is an American film and television actor.Gellman was born in Miami, Florida to a Canadian father and an Australian mother; he was named after a family friend, writer Jan Joors...
makes a cameo appearance in the film. - Perez HiltonPerez HiltonMario Armando Lavandeira, Jr. , better known as Perez Hilton , is an American blogger and television personality. His blog, Perezhilton.com , is known for posts covering gossip items about celebrities...
makes a cameo appearance as himself in the film. - Jamie JohnstonJamie JohnstonJames "Jamie" Johnston is a Canadian actor and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his role as Peter Stone on Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Personal life and career:...
portrays Peter Stone, a member of the Degrassi punk rock band, Stüdz. - Kevin JubinvilleKevin JubinvilleKevin Jubinville is a Canadian actor, best known for playing The Shep in Degrassi: The Next Generation and Bob Venton in Rabbit Fall.- Filmography :- External links :...
portrays Principal Sheppard of Degrassi Community School, whom Jay Hogart coerces (by means not explained on screen) to loan or rent him a school bus in which to transport Manny and four minors (the Stüdz and Mia), across an international border and over 4000 kilometres (2,485.5 mi) to Los Angeles. - Shane KippelShane KippelShane Warren Kippel is a Canadian television actor. From 2001-2010, he appeared as a regular cast member in the part of Gavin "Spinner" Mason on Degrassi: The Next Generation, which is broadcast on CTV in Canada...
portrays Gavin "Spinner" MasonSpinner MasonGavin Reginald "Spinner" Mason, is a fictional high-school graduate in Degrassi: The Next Generation, portrayed by Shane Kippel.-Characterization:...
, Degrassi alumnus, manager of the Dot Grill, and customary drummer for Degrassi rock band Stüdz (though sidelined while his arm heals from a gunshot wound); he has previously dated both finalists for the female lead in Mewesical High: Manny & Paige. - Daniel LevyDaniel Levy (TV personality)Daniel Joseph Levy is a Canadian television personality.Levy was born in Kingston, Ontario, the son of Deborah Divine and Canadian actor Eugene Levy. He is the former co-host of MTV Canada's program The After Show and its various incarnations including The Hills: The After Show and The City: Live...
portrays Robbie, the studio producer who hires Paige for the role of Trixie. - Mike LobelMike LobelMichael Ryan "Mike" Lobel is a Canadian actor.-Life and career:Lobel is the oldest of three siblings. At a young age he began showing interest in music and visual arts which drew him to Etobicoke School of the Arts. He attended ESA from 1998 to 2003, first majoring in music then later switching...
portrays Jay HogartJay HogartJason "Jay" Hogart, played by Mike Lobel, is a fictional character on Degrassi: The Next Generation. He is usually portrayed as the school bully and bad boy, but later throughout the series he displays instances of conscience that make him more of an anti-hero...
, the ex-fiancée of Manny Santos and replacement drummer for Stüdz following Spinner's injured arm from a gunshot wound. - Miriam McDonaldMiriam McDonaldMiriam Katherine McDonald is a Canadian actress and occasional dancer. She is best known for playing Emma Nelson on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Career:...
portrays Emma NelsonEmma NelsonEmma Nelson is a fictional student on the Degrassi: The Next Generation television series, having originated in the series' precursor, Degrassi Junior High. She is portrayed as an adolescent and adult by Miriam McDonald....
, Degrassi alumna who is Manny's best friend and roommate. - Jason MewesJason MewesJason Edward Mewes is an American television, film actor, and internet radio show host best known for playing Jay, the vocal half of the duo Jay and Silent Bob, in longtime friend Kevin Smith's films.-Early life:...
, as himself, is the writer-director and protagonist of Mewesical High, the film on which several of the characters work. - Adamo RuggieroAdamo RuggieroAdamo Angelo Ruggiero is an Italian-Canadian actor best known for his role of Marco Del Rossi in Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Career:...
portrays Marco Del Rossi, Degrassi alumnus, and Paige's best friend and supporter. - Michael SeaterMichael SeaterMichael Bruce Patrick Seater is a Canadian actor. He is known for his role as Derek Venturi on Life with Derek and for his role as Tom Bellow in 18 to Life.-Biography:Seater was born in Toronto, Ontario...
portrays Michael Ray, who plays Jason Mewes in Mewesical High. - Melinda ShankarMelinda ShankarMelinda Shankar is a Canadian actress who is best known for playing Alli Bhandari beginning in season 8 of Degrassi: The Next Generation...
portrays Alli Bhandari, Degrassi student and Sav's younger sister. - Kevin SmithKevin SmithKevin Patrick Smith is an American screenwriter, actor, film producer, and director, as well as a popular comic book writer, author, comedian/raconteur, and internet radio personality best recognized by viewers as Silent Bob...
, as himself, supports Jason Mewes as he makes his directorial debut. - Cassie SteeleCassie SteeleCassandra Rae "Cassie" Steele is a Canadian actress and singer-songwriter best known for portraying Manny Santos on Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Life and career:...
portrays Manny SantosManny SantosManuella "Manny" Santos is a fictional character portrayed by Cassie Steele on the television show Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Season 1:...
, Degrassi alumna, who aspires to become a famous actress in Hollywood, and take over Paige's part in the movie. - Cassadee PopeCassadee PopeCassadee Blake Pope is an American singer-songwriter and musician and the lead vocalist of the pop punk band Hey Monday. With the band she has released a studio album, Hold On Tight and two extended plays.-Biography:...
of pop-rock band Hey MondayHey MondayHey Monday is an American rock band from West Palm Beach, Florida, formed in 2008. They released their debut album Hold on Tight in 2008 which produced notable singles "Homecoming" and "How You Love Me Now". The album was followed up with their 2010 EP Beneath It All, which achieved moderate...
makes a cameo appearance as herself with Pete Wentz; they are colleagues of Craig Manning. - Pete Wentz of rock band Fall Out BoyFall Out BoyFall Out Boy is an American rock band from Wilmette, Illinois, formed in 2001. The band consists of vocalist, guitarist and composer Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. The band released five studio albums from 2003–2008...
makes a cameo appearance as himself with Cassadee Pope; they are colleagues of Craig Manning. - Evan WilliamsEvan Williams (actor)Evan Williams is a Canadian actor and musician. He is best known for playing Kelly Ashoona in Degrassi: The Next Generation. He is a series regular. Evan Williams was born in Alberta and spent most of his childhood in Calgary...
portrays Kelly Ashoona, the boyfriend and college roommate of Emma Nelson.
Former Degrassi: The Next Generation co-star, Shenae Grimes
Shenae Grimes
Shenae Grimes is a Canadian actress. She currently portrays the role of Annie Wilson on 90210, a spinoff of Beverly Hills, 90210. Prior to that she played Darcy Edwards on Degrassi: The Next Generation...
and her current series, 90210
90210 (TV series)
90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
, are spoken of in dialogue by Hailey Montel (Mary Ashton) at a party, making Grimes the first Degrassi actor to exist within the Degrassi fictional universe independently of her character. Her Degrassi character, Darcy Edwards
Darcy Edwards
Darcy Edwards is a fictional character on Degrassi: The Next Generation. She is portrayed by Shenae Grimes. As of 2010, she is one of two Degrassi characters whose actor independently exists within the Degrassi fictional universe, Grimes having been spoken of in Degrassi Goes Hollywood, and Drake...
is neither seen nor referred to in Degrassi Goes Hollywood, and was said to be volunteering in Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
in a previous season. The line of dialogue, "Does 90210 have an After Show?" also refers to the Canadian series The After Show
The After Show
The After Show is the blanket title for several talk shows currently or previously aired by the Canadian version of MTV, originally connected to reality series it airs such as Laguna Beach and The Hills...
, which is co-hosted by Daniel Levy who plays Robbie in the film. Also making an appearance is Romina D'Ugo, who appeared on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada
So You Think You Can Dance Canada
So You Think You Can Dance Canada was a dance competition and reality show that aired on CTV.Based on the original American TV show So You Think You Can Dance, the Canadian series showcased the best in Canadian dancing talent. Each season, the show held auditions in major cities across the...
, as well as Janna Polzin, who was runner-up on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (Canada)
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? was a talent competition program that aired in Canada on CBC Television. It premiered on June 15, 2008 at 8pm EDT, and concluded on July 28, 2008...
This was done again the following year with Degrassi Takes Manhattan
Degrassi Takes Manhattan
The Rest of My Life: Degrassi Takes Manhattan is a 2010 Canadian film adaptation of the popular, long-running teenage drama Degrassi, which was known as Degrassi: The Next Generation prior to this film. The movie premiered in Canada on MuchMusic on 16 July 2010, and in the United States on TeenNick...
, when The After Show
Jessi Cruickshank
Jessica Shaia "Jessi" Cruickshank is a Canadian television personality. She is the former co-host of MTV Canada's program The After Show and its various incarnations including The Hills: The After Show and The City: Live After Show with co-host Dan Levy...
mentions Drake
Drake (entertainer)
Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
.
Stacey Farber earned a Gemini Award
Gemini Award
The Gemini Awards are annual television broadcasting industry awards in Canada.First awarded in 1986, the Geminis celebrate the achievements of TV members of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Essentially, it presents awards for the best television productions in Canada. Awards are...
nomination for best performance in a children's or youth program or series, as Ellie Nash in "Paradise City (Part Three)". The award was won by Michael Seater (who also appeared in Degrassi Goes Hollywood) for his work on Life with Derek
Life with Derek
Life with Derek is a Canadian television sitcom that aired on Family and VRAK.TV in Canada and on Disney Channel in the United States. The series premiered on Family on September 18, 2005 and ran for four seasons ending on March 25, 2009. The series starred Michael Seater and Ashley Leggat as the...
. He would then star beside Farber in 18 to Life
18 to Life
18 to Life is a Canadian television sitcom that debuted on January 4, 2010 on CBC Television. The series is shown in Quebec on Vrak.TV with the title Majeurs et mariés.-Synopsis:...
.
Absences
The following characters do not appear in the movie, but were regular characters on the show during the previous season.- Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as Liberty Van Zandt
- Stefan BrogrenStefan BrogrenStefan Brogren is a Canadian actor and director. He is best known as Archibald "Archie"/"Snake” Simpson in the Degrassi franchise of television shows.-Career:...
as Archie SimpsonArchie SimpsonArchibald Rupert "Snake” Simpson is a fictional character on the Degrassi series portrayed by Stefan Brogren. His first appearance in the series was as an eighth grade student on Degrassi Junior High ... - Paula BrancatiPaula BrancatiPaula Brancati is a Canadian actress who performs in live theatre, television, and film. She is most notable for her roles as Jenny Zalen on Being Erica, Cally Stone on Dark Oracle and Jane Vaughn on Degrassi: The Next Generation.Brancati was born in Markham, Ontario, Canada. She is a fan of Al...
as Jane Vaughn
Music
Degrassi Goes Hollywood: Music from the Original Movie is the title of the movie soundtrack released on CD on 4 August 2009, and digital downloadMusic download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
25 August 2009. It features songs from little known Canadian artist as well as five original songs performed by cast members Cassie Steele
Cassie Steele
Cassandra Rae "Cassie" Steele is a Canadian actress and singer-songwriter best known for portraying Manny Santos on Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Life and career:...
and Jake Epstein
Jake Epstein
Jacob Lee "Jake" Epstein is a Canadian actor and singer, perhaps best known for playing Craig Manning, a bipolar musician, on Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Personal life:...
. Some of the songs featured on it were previously used in the show, thus making this the eighth season soundtrack as well.