Kevin's Next Directing Gig?

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: I wouldn't exactly count "Fletch" as Kevin's next directing gig. He's gone on the record as saying that if he were approached to direct a "Degrassi Junior High" reunion special, he'd do it in a second. Well, looks like he might get his chance. So what do you say, Kev? Would you journey up north to direct the further adventures of Joey, Caitlen and the Zit Remedy?...this from the Ottawa Citizen: : SECTION: NEWS, Pg. A3 : LENGTH: 520 words : HEADLINE: Back to school time for Degrassi generation: Epitome Pictures and CTV are talking about developing Degrassi: The Next Generation. Karina Roman reports. : BYLINE: Karina Roman : SOURCE: The Ottawa Citizen : BODY: : Fans who were addicted to the trials and tribulations of Joey, Snake, Caitlin and friends shouldn't throw out their Zit Remedy T-shirts just yet. : Epitome Pictures and CTV are in talks about developing Degrassi: The Next Generation. : It'll be a mix of old and new characters, but how the show will actually take form is shrouded in mystery. Epitome vice-president Stephen Stohn would only say that all will be known in a couple of weeks. : It all started in 1979 with The Kids of Degrassi Street. Then came Degrassi Junior High in 1987, which was followed by Degrassi High that lasted until 1991. A made-for-TV movie, School's Out, wrapped it all up. : Pat Mastroianni, who played Joey Jeremiah, confirms he has been approached to resume the popular role. : "The only concern I have is that the character needs to have grown over the past 10 years," he says. "If I'm doing the same schtick, it wouldn't be good." : And although he is sworn to secrecy on the details, he did say the school will be central once again. How late twentysomethings will be woven into the show remains to be seen. : However, the use of the Internet and convergence is a big part of the plan. : "The challenge with a dramatic show is telling stories on the Web that are complimentary to the television show," says Mr. Stohn. : Mr. Mastroianni says he understands the Web site will be reality-based. : But a domain name dispute might prove problematic for Epitome. For three years, Mark Polger, a graduate student at the University of Waterloo, has been running three unofficial Web sites, including the coveted www.degrassi.ca. Mr. Polger and Epitome have been talking but just last week, Mr. Polger was served with a statement of claim. : "They should thank me for all I've done to promote the show," he says. "They shouldn't bully me." He says he is not a cybersquatter or seeking money; he's just a big fan. : He also says his sites rejuvenated interest in the show, leading to CBC and Showtime airing reruns recently. : Because of the show's success, some of the actors have continued on, although none has become certified stars. Others have left acting. Siluck Saysanasy (Yick) is a manager of a restaurant in Vancouver and Duncan Waugh (Arthur) bartends in Toronto. Cathy Keenan (Liz) works behind the scenes with a production company, as does Mike Carry (Simon) who is a grip with Epitome. : However, everyone is trying to solve the mystery of the whereabouts of Neil Hope (Wheels). Rumours abound in terms of secret locations and assumed names, but no one really knows for sure. : There's no doubt the new crew will be compared to the old and the new show's ratings will be scrutinized. : After all, Degrassi did so well. In its prime, it was the highest-rated show in Canada, and it attracted more than 2.5 million viewers for its two-hour finale. More than 70 countries bought the show, winning it fans around the world. : Along with the ratings came the critical accolades: An international Emmy, many Geminis, the Prix Jeunesse and others. : With that kind of resume, the "next generation" will have big shoes to fill.

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