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TeenNick's smash-hit series Degrassi kicks off its 10th season tonight with a special two-hour TV movie titled, "The Heat Is On." The title of the movie can easily be the slogan of the season, which promises a jam packed summer of emotionally driven episodes filled with even more secrets, lies and surprises for the students at Degrassi Community School. The new season will further explore the students, as well as tackle may issues that are relevant to teens today, including divorce, bullies, gender identity, community service, double standards, Internet safety, family dynamics, runaways and romance. We caught up with Paula Brancati, who joined the cast back in 2007 as Jane Vaughn. Find out what Paula had to say about filming "The Heat Is On," and what fans can expect to see in the movie tonight!
(Degrassi Photos By: Stephen Scott/Epitome Pictures)
Can you tell us a little about the new Degrassi movie, "The Heat Is On" and what our readers can expect to see happen with your character?
"The Heat is On" is an incredible, emotional roller coaster for every character involved! Jane is the class Valedictorian and is so happy to spend the summer with Spinner, but is still harboring a huge secret - she cheated on him with Declan earlier in the season! When her lies begin to unravel, she escapes to New York with Holly J and gets caught up in the whirlwind of fronting an Indie band. However, distractions can only last for so long, and she has to decide what lengths she will go to in order to fight for her relationship with Spin.
Do you have a favorite scene that you filmed for the movie?
Yes! There were so many amazing shooting experiences during the movie, but my favourite by far would have to be the opening sequence. "Janie and the Stüds" perform "The Great Escape" for their graduating class just as the final school bell is ringing. Not only was it an incredible experience for me to be able to record the song in a professional recording studio, but also to be shooting such a fun scene for an entire day with my cast mates who are also my close friends.
Were there any funny behind-the-scenes moments?
I feel like everyday on set is full of laughs and (for me in particular) slightly embarrassing moments! This one wasn't extremely funny, but definitely a thrill - Landon, Charlotte and I got to spend an entire day speeding on a closed road in a Porsche! With the encouragement of our crew and some Drake tunes blasting on the car radio, I definitely drove faster than I ever had in my life.
How have the stories on Degrassi related to your own high school experience?
One of the best parts about Degrassi is its ability to relate with its fans. I feel like every viewer is able to identify with one or more characters and/or situations throughout the seasons. I find the storylines based on female friendships (ie: Jane and Holly J's budding friendship) very relatable. I am fortunate to have wonderful friends that I have knows since I was 3 and was lucky enough to meet a few more in high school who have always been there for me. At its core, as much as there is a lot of heartbreak and loss and drama in our storylines, there is also an honest portrayal of relationships and friendships that everyone experiences at some point in high school.
In what ways do you relate to your character?
I relate to Jane's strong will and determination. Her passion for what she loves (singing in a band, fighting so hard to be on the football team) is admirable and something I feel I try to parallel in my own life.
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