L-R Samanatha Munro (Anya), Joa, Dalmar Albuzeid (Danny), Cris Jackson (former Prod. Crew member) and Erin at the Degrassi Goes Hollywood red carpet premiere.

People from two of the top Degrassi Fansites in the land got the opportunity to do something most of us could only dream of: they attended the red carpet premiere of Degrassi Goes Hollywood!

Erin ( www.degrassi-fans.com) and Joa (ACESonline, Craig-Ashley.com and http://sel-online.net/) won bracelets to the event from The Exec himself, and it looks like they had an absolutely amazing time.

I really don’t have much input, except for the fact I’m thoroughly JEALOUS!!  The least I can do is live vicariously through them, lol.  Anyway,  I just wanted to show Erin and Joa mucho love for reppin’ degrassi fans hardcore at the premiere.  They’re still in the process of uploading pics, videos, etc.

Check out @ACESonline on twitter, where they’re posting some of the pics from the premiere via twitpic.

Also on twitter is @degrassifanscom.  At Erin’s website www.degrassi-fans.com, you can click here to read her FULL synopsis of what happened during her amazing day.  She also promises to have video footage from the premiere soon.

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Also for your enjoyment, here are a few pics of some of the cast members on the red carpet:

The list of nominess for the 24th Annual Gemini Awards are out, and Degrassi was able to snag three nominations!!

1) Eleanore Lindo is nominated for Best Direction in a Children’s or Youth Program or Series for her work in the episode “Fight the Power.”

2) Stacey Farber is nominated for Best Performance in a Children’s or Youth Program or Series for “Paradise City Pt. 3″ (aka Degrassi Goes Hollywood).

3) Paula Brancati is also nominated for Best Performance in a Children’s or Youth Program or Series for “Fight the Power.”

Shenae Grimes was the last actor/actress from Degrassi to win a Gemini (2007). She won for her performance in the episode "Eyes Without A Face."

Paula and Stacey will be squaring off in their category against Michael Seater from “Life With Derek.” Seater not only made an appearance in Degrassi Goes Hollywood, but he also stars with Stacey in the upcoming tv comedy ”18 to Life.”

Degrassi: TNG has been nominated for at least one Gemini award every year since 2002.  TNG has won more than 10 awards over the past 7 years.  Last year, Degrassi won Best Children’s Show.  The Gemini Awards broadcast will be announced at a later date.

***NEW FEATURE***
An audio recap of the blog topic…it’s Degrassi News Extra!

In the most exciting news yet, Stephen Stohn revealed on twitter that Degrassi Season 9 will premiere in Canada on Sunday, October 4th!  The Exec got the info from a press release that CTV sent out today, which revealed their fall lineup:

That means after Degrassi Goes Hollywood airs on August 30th, they’ll have five weeks to promote the new season of Degrassi, whose ratings have gone downhill in Canada over the past few years.  That’s unacceptable, given the fact CTV is Canada’s #1 network.

With the DGH movie having RECORD-BREAKING ratings here in the U.S., the hope is that it’ll do the same in Canada…boosting Degrassi’s CTV ratings and serve as a great lead-in to the new season.  And ever since I’ve started following Stefan Brogren on twitter, I’ve become confident that Season 9 will be the best season in years.

With the new season starting on CTV later than I expected (I was assuming Sept. 27), there’s been no word on how it’ll affect the Season 9 premiere on TeenNick.  Kyle, a mod/admin over at CableTVTalk has access to TeenNick’s restricted press site, and reported a month ago that Friday October 9th was the target date…but nothing has been 100% confirmed yet.

With Season 9 of Degrassi quickly approaching, we’re currently in a “transition stage.” This is where we don’t officially know that much about the new season, so the only thing we can do is speculate.

Of course speculation always leads to ridiculous rumors that ALWAYS end up on wikipedia or imdb, and naive fans go around telling everyone they’re true.  Anyway, here’s just a few of some of the most random (FALSE) rumors in Degrassi history that made me lol.

Stacey Farber Is Pregnant

People saw her outfit, saw a "bump" and automatically assumed Stacey was pregnant. Sheesh.

It all started in the season 7 episode “Jessie’s Girl.”  Fans SWORE up and down they saw what looked like a baby bump on Stacey, and because of what she was wearing people assumed she was pregnant.  That of course led to people thinking they’d incorporate her “pregnancy” into the show by saying Jesse got her pregnant.

Unless Stephen Stohn and Co. did a masterful job of keeping it on lockdown, it turns out Stacey did NOT (and has not) become a baby mama.  Shocking.

Marco Has AIDS

Marco has AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDS....not.

At the end of the season 4 episode “Moonlight Desires,” Marco talks with Caitlin about the possiblity of him volunteering in Africa over the summer.  Shockingly enough, the rumor after that was Marco would come back from Africa and have AIDS in season 5…because it’d be ironic that the gay guy got AIDS while visiting Africa, and not from having sex, you see? No, I don’t see…and that would be a stupid way to go about an AIDS storyline.

No, Marco didn’t contract AIDS. Man, I’m surprised no one has started a “Darcy has AIDS” rumor yet.

J.T. dies….In Season 3

The silliness of people thinking this pic is of J.T. getting killed makes me LOL.

The Degrassi universe will always feel empty without the presence of J.T. Yorke.  But before his untimely death in season 6, people thought he was going to kick the bucket in season 3.  When the promo pics for ”U Got The Look” were released, a crazy rumor went around that J.T. was gonna get struck and killed by a car.

Of course it turns out, after watching the episode, J.T. skateboarded right into a parked car because he was distracted by Manny’s lady lumps.  Apparently some people had an overly INTENSE imagination (remember when 100% INTENSE was the tagline for Degrassi on The-N?)  “Manny Santos, my how you’ve grown….”

I remember back when Myspace was the big thing, and the thought of joining Facebook was stupid.  Then I finally joined Facebook and loved it.

Then there was the time where Facebook was the big thing and Twitter seemed stupid.  Now I’ve joined Twitter, and I LOVE it.

Social media has always been a way that celebs can connect with fans.  Celebs have their own “official” pages on Myspace and the fan pages on Facebook, but there’s still a disconnect of sorts.  There’s always that feeling it’s just updated by some PR person, and it’s being used as nothing more than another promotion tool.

I’m sure it’s that way with some celebs on Twitter, but Twitter is so easy to use it seems like more and more celebs post tweet updates themselves.  This is awesome news for us Degrassi fans.  Whether it’s Stefan Brogren tweeting while on the Degrassi set, or Lauren Collins telling us where she’s headed for dinner, there’s nothing cooler than seeing a Degrassi star tweet about their activities during the day.

Wait a minute…

…even cooler than that is when you tweet them, and they respond back (but at the same time don’t expect them to respond…they receive tons of tweets a day and it’d be overwhelming for them to try and reply to them all). 

Scott Paterson and Melinda Shankar goofing off in a twitter video.

For me, it provides a greater appreciation for the Degrassi characters when you get to see the actor that plays them.  Melinda Shankar (Alli) and Scott Paterson (Johnny) are hands down the two most entertaining Degrassi stars to follow on Twitter.  I not only enjoy the banter between the two real-life best friends, but the videos Melinda posts on twitvid are goofy and fun.  Since we only see them on tv it’s hard to fathom celebs doing ”normal” things like us everyday people.  However, Twitter allows us to see stars in a newer, more genuine light.  It extends beyond what we see of them when they’re in character on tv, or in an interview on an entertainment show; It’s like you’re getting a sneak peak into their lives.

(NOTE: You can find a list of Degrassi twitter profiles in the sidebar to the right of this blog, under “Degrassi Twitters.”)

Degrassi Goes Hollywood’s ratings are in (thanks to tvbythenumbers.com)…and to be blunt, the Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Friday on The-N kicked DegrASSi in the ratings:

*Degrassi Goes Hollywood became The-N’s most-watched telecast EVER with almost 1 million total viewers (977,000)…more than half of them were teens 12-17 (511,000).

*From 8pm-10pm last Friday, Degrassi Goes Hollywood was the #1 program for people 12-24 on all broadcast and ad-supported cable networks.  It was also the #1 program for its target demo, teens 12-17.

*Degrassi Goes Hollywood set a new record as the most-watched and highest-rated telecast among people 12-24, and teens 12-17.

*The-N played DGH back-to-back three times on Friday night, and it had over 2 million total viewers over that six hour span.

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…and in a side note, Degrassi Goes Hollywood made it to #2 on the Trending Topics list over at twitter.  I would’ve never guessed that Degrassi would kick this much butt, however, it’s most definitely good stuff for Degrassi and The-N (especially as it begins its transition to TeenNick).

Now this brings me to a very weird situation.  Degrassi is The-N’s most-watched show, and it has been for years.  However, Degrassi’s ratings in Canada have continued to slip to dismal lows even though it airs on Canada’s most-watched tv network, CTV.  Degrassi receives its funding from the Canadian government, so if Degrassi were to get cancelled in Canada, what would happen? Would they pursue other funding options in order to continue producing episodes for the American network?

Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood airs in Canada on Sunday, August 30th at 8pm on CTV, and Saturday September 5th at 9pm and 12am on MuchMusic.

I wish…So yesterday I was browsing twitter like I normally do, and I spotted something very bizarre:

There I am, my pic is in the official The-N/TeenNick’s twitter background.  How in the world did that happen?!?

The odd thing is that the background ONLY consists of stars from Degrassi,  South of Nowhere and other hit shows on The-N…then there’s a random pic of me just chillin’ with Stacey, lol.

If only I could convince them I’m a star on Degrassi….ahhh a guy can dream, eh? :-p

I know this is VERY old news…but I figured I should do a blog about it since The-N officially started its rebranding campaign last Friday, and there are people who aren’t really sure what’s really going down.

On September 28, The-N will officially change the name of its network to TeenNick. 

Q: Why?
It’s all about increasing the channel’s viewership.  The-N is  a member of the Nickelodeon family of tv networks (as well as Nick at Nite, Nick Jr, Noggin, Nicktoons); unfortunately, many people may not realize that.

Most people are familiar with the name Nickelodeon (or “Nick”), even if they’ve never actually sat down and watched it, so it’s already a strong, established brand name.  By switching The-N to TeenNick, the name itself makes attracting more viewers that much easier.

Q: Will Degrassi still be on TeenNick?
YES! The only thing that’s changing about The-N is its name.  Its shows will remain the same, so continue to expect Degrassi season 9 sometime in early-mid October.

As TeenNick Chairman, Nick Cannon will spearhead the network's goal to be the top network for teen programming.

Nick Cannon, whose career started at Nickelodeon, will be the Chairman of TeenNick.  Not only will he be the man in charge behind the scenes, he’ll also be the face of the network as he works with others to come up with interesting material.  I hope he has great plans to bring in some fresh, original content to supplement the tons of old Nick shows/syndicated teen shows that they have now.

Degrassi Goes Hollywood  might’ve already aired here in the U.S., but don’t feel left out Canadian fans…you’re getting a special treat!!  You have a chance to attend the Degrassi Goes Hollywood screening at the Bloor Cinema on August 26, at 7pm, as well as win a trip to Hollywood!!

Here’s how to enter (from the official rules):

TO ENTER the WIN A TRIP TO HOLLYWOOD: PARADISE CITY: DEGRASSI GOES HOLLYWOOD (the “Contest”) simply pick up a wristband available at 299 Queen St. W. (John Street entrance) on Friday, August 21, 2009 between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. It’s first come first serve, and enter in person at Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1Y3, at the screening of PARADISE CITY: DEGRASSI GOES HOLLYWOOD movie at 7:00 p.m. on August 26th,and complete the official entry ballot.

The prizes are:

Grand Prize: 1 person will win a trip for two to Hollywood
Second Place: 3 people will win a Degrassi shirt, a soundtrack CD and a trip to the Degrassi set!

So the contest isn’t what I thought….I thought the contest was you would be allowed into the screening if you won, but that’s not the case.  All you have to do to get into the screening is get there at the meeting place on the 21st and get a wristband before they run out.

If you ask me, screw the grand prize…that trip to the Degrassi set is where it’s at! I’m officially jealous of all of you who get to enter, because you have to be a resident of Ontario to win.

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON THE CONTEST, CLICK HERE.

[WARNING: THIS EPISODE REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS]

Season 8 of Degrassi, to put it midly, sucked (as a whole).  My only expectations of Paradise City after they renamed it to Degrassi Goes Hollywood was that it would provide me with enough material to rip the movie to shreds.

Boy was I wrong.

Acting has never really been a major beef with me, it’s always been the engaging content (or lack thereof) over the past several seasons that they give the characters to work with.  Directed by Stefan Brogren, Degrassi Goes Hollywood manages to prove that the people behind the scenes of my beloved show still got the mojo.

MAIN PLOT

Not hard to see why Paige hates her job as a personal assistant.

 Paige, an aspiring stylist, is working as an assitant to an arrogant reality tv star. Meanwhile, Manny’s still in the theatre program at Smithdale, and she’s dating her acting teacher Mick.  Jason Mewes is holding auditions in Canada for his new movie and he wants Manny for the lead role, but she bombs the audition after her tool of a boyfriend continually puts her down and tells her she’ll be a failure as an actress.  Jason eventually returns Hollywood, and through a series of events Paige lands the role.

To say this movie is  “Paige vs. Manny” is a major overstatement.  As the movie progresses it’s more about the characters versus themselves:  Paige dealing with her new-found fame and Manny battling her insecurities about her acting skills.  What I initially thought would be a contrived storyline is one that actually works, because it fits into the continuity of Paige wanting to work in fashion and Manny being an aspiring actress; these concepts have been continuously developed over the past few years.

All hope is lost until Manny realizes she has a second chance.

Manny’s plot feels the most genuine because her friends (Emma, Kelly and eventually Jay) force her to overcome her low self esteem, caused by her verbally abusive boyfriend.  Manny hops on a school bus with Jay and The Studz (who gained and quickly lost a role in Mewes’ movie) to head to Hollywood so she can audition once again, and despite the rough ending to Janny’s relationshipa while back, Jay helps Manny regain her confidence.

While Lauren Collins’ acting is spot on, Paige’s part of the plot feels very rushed.  Once she lands the part, she’s suddenly on the cover of Seventeen magazine, and out of nowhere develops a giant ego even though she’s barely been on the set.  She invites Marco and Ellie to come stay with her, and while Ellie goes off on her own adventure (see Subplot below), Marco’s soul purpose is to be there to eventually call Paige out on her crap.

Kevin Smith only manages to make a few visual appearances in Degrassi Goes Hollywood.

Degrassi Goes Hollywood does a great job of making sure the story focuses on the stars of the episode (Paige, Manny, Ellie) and doesn’t drift off path by focusing too much on making it too Hollywood-y.  Besides Jason Mewes and the occasional video appearance by Kevin Smith, the rest of the real-life celebs (Perez Hilton, Vivica Fox, Kelly Carlson, Cassadee Pope, Pete Wentz) only make very brief appearances.

Another success of Degrassi Goes Hollywood is how it manages to give us a bittersweet ending.  Yes Manny lands the lead role in Mewes’ movie as well as Studz getting a part, and Paige becomes Mewes’ assistant.  We also witness what could be the end of a great friendship between Paige and Marco. 

As always, Cassie Steele and Lauren Collins bring their A game to Degrassi.

Degrassi Goes Hollywood is an absolute gem compared to the last couple of seasons of Degrassi.  I’m giving the credit to Lauren Collins and Cassie Steele for being solid leading ladies, Stacey Farber for executing the wonderful storyline they gave Ellie and most importantly Stefan Brogren for being the driving force behind it all. 

Now we can officially look forward to Season 9.  Seasons 7 and 8 felt like transitions seasons for the new characters, so I have high expectations that this next season will be firing on all cylinders.  I’m making a bold statement right now: the epsidoes in season 9 that have been directed by Stefan will be amazing.

DEGRASSI GOES HOLLYWOOD MAIN PLOT GRADE: A+

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SUBPLOT

Crellie returns to Degrassi.

In what could’ve been a disaster, Crellie’s storyline was done masterfully.  Instead of it being solely about Craig and Ellie’s relationship, they gave Ellie an issue to deal with: the return of her dad from Afghanistan, who is now suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.  Ellie refuses to go see him at the hospital because she can’t bear the thought of seeing him in a helpless state, and she feels helpless herself because she doesn’t know how to “fix” him.

While walking around Hollywood, Ellie randomly runs into Craig.  They end up spending a day together catching up, since they hadn’t talked to each other in over a year.  A couple of scenes caught my eye as being amazing:  Craig singing “Rescue You” to Ellie and the scene between them in the hallway when Ellie realizes she’ll never be with Craig. 

Craig’s song had an obvious meaning, seeing as how he had written it for Ellie.  It didn’t feel like Craig intentionally did anything to help Ellie deal with her dad issues; where he helped was by simply being there.  In Ellie’s life which has been torn apart, the fact she was around someone she loved (even if she denied it to everyone but herself), and the fact he was the one there for her was enough to lift her spirit.

Ellie realizes Craig will never feel the way she feels about him.

Hands down, the best scene in the movie is when Ellie leaves Craig’s apartment after dinner with him and his girlfriend. Their conversation is a much better version of the romantic misinterpretations Ellie displayed way back in “Weddings, Parties, Anything.”  

“I just really have to stop thinking that my feelings for you will ever be requited.”  Ellie’s line, followed by Craig’s deflective response is Degrassi at its finest.

Crellie says goodbye one last time.

The great thing is Brogren never backs down from Ellie’s statement.  Even though Crellie shares a kiss as they say goodbye in a semi-cheesy style airport scene, Craig and Ellie still don’t get together as a couple.  I’m sure plenty of fans would’ve loved to see them end ”happily ever after.” However, the fact that Degrassi resisted Crellie officially getting together since Season 5 is thoroughly respectable, given how quickly couples get together on this show.

DEGRASSI GOES HOLLYWOOD SUBPLOT: A+