Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood is a 2009 Canadian film adaptation of the popular, long-running teenage drama . 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.
Plot
As the name suggests, the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation travels to Los Angeles, California as they attempt to live out their dreams. While Manny Santos |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, —the band composed of Peter, Danny, and Sav—seems to be headed towards their big break.
Cast
Former Degrassi: The Next Generation co-star, Shenae Grimes and her current series, 90210, are spoken of in dialogue by Hailey Montel 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 Dan 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 ". The award was won by Michael Seater for his work on Life with Derek. He would then star beside Farber in 18 to Life.
Production
Filming was split between Toronto, Canada, and Hollywood, California with the majority being the former to keep production cost low. Adamo, Stacey, Lauren, Jake, and Jason all filmed in both locations while everyone else filmed only in Canada. All of the studio scenes were shot in Toronto during Degrassi's regular filming schedule while a lot of outdoor Los Angeles was filmed on location in less than a weeks time. Paige's mansion was filmed in both Canada and Los Angeles.
Absences
The following characters do not appear in the movie, but were regular characters on the show during the previous season.
Degrassi Goes Hollywood: Music from the Original Movie is the title of the movie soundtrack released on CD on 4 August 2009, and digital download 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.
