Degrassi co-creator, Linda Schuyler, has resolved a brief conflict with WildBrain and Peacock Alley, the producers and production companies involved in the new Degrassi documentary. Initially, Schuyler filed a lawsuit aiming to stop the premiere of “Degrassi: Whatever It Takes” at the Toronto International Film Festival, citing concerns about misleading content that portrayed her as profiting at the expense of the show’s young actors.
All scheduled screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival, including the world premiere, will continue as planned, as announced in a joint statement by WildBrain, Peacock Alley, and Schuyler. The parties have reached an agreement to include additional context regarding the payment of Degrassi actors in the documentary for future distribution.
The legal action was initiated in Ontario on Monday, naming WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment as defendants. The documentary revealed testimonies from early cast members highlighting their financial struggles despite the show’s success.
Dayo Ade, known for his role as B.L.T. on Degrassi High, shared his post-Degrassi hardships, emphasizing the misconception of actors’ wealth. Amanda Stepto, who portrayed Spike in the 1980s, disclosed receiving minimal daily wages on Degrassi Junior High due to the absence of agent representation and union support.
Schuyler countered these claims in a statement, asserting that the cast was paid substantially more than $50 a day. She emphasized the creation of a retirement fund and scholarship foundation to support the performers into the future. Schuyler sold her production company, Epitome Pictures, along with the Degrassi rights to WildBrain over a decade ago.
While Schuyler featured in the documentary reminiscing about the show’s creation, she did not directly address the payment controversies onscreen. Despite acknowledging the disappointments faced by some former cast members, Schuyler expressed regret that she could not remedy their grievances.
The documentary, praised for exploring challenging topics, including actors’ dissatisfaction with compensation, will be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival.
