Degrassi co-creator Linda Schuyler has reached a resolution with WildBrain and Peacock Alley, the producers and production companies behind the new Degrassi documentary, after a brief dispute.
Initially, Schuyler filed a lawsuit to stop the screening of “Degrassi: Whatever It Takes” at the Toronto International Film Festival, claiming that the film contained defamatory content that portrayed her as building a lucrative empire at the expense of the young actors on the show.
All scheduled screenings at the festival, including the world premiere, will proceed as planned, as stated in a joint announcement from WildBrain, Peacock Alley, and Schuyler. The parties have agreed to incorporate additional context regarding the actors’ compensation in future distributions of the documentary.
The lawsuit was lodged in Ontario on Monday, naming WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment as defendants. The documentary revealed that some early cast members of Degrassi expressed dissatisfaction with their payment despite the show’s success.
Dayo Ade, known for his role as B.L.T. on Degrassi High, shared his experience of struggling financially after the show, taking on multiple odd jobs. Amanda Stepto, who portrayed Spike in the 1980s, recalled receiving minimal compensation during her time on Degrassi Junior High.
Schuyler responded to these claims in the joint statement, emphasizing that the young performers were paid more than $50 a day. She highlighted efforts made by the Degrassi team to support the cast, including establishing a retirement fund and a scholarship foundation.
Schuyler, who sold her production company Epitome Pictures to WildBrain, appears in the documentary discussing the show’s impact but does not directly address the payment allegations on screen.
The documentary, praised by TIFF programmer Jason Anderson for its exploration of sensitive topics, sheds light on the challenges faced by some actors and their grievances about the show’s demands and compensation.