Interview with Cory Lee, actress and judge of the SPEAK YOUR MIND! Contest

Juno nominated actress Cory Lee currently stars in "Degrassi" as Ms. Oh. She is also part of the panel of judges that will review the submissions of the SPEAK YOUR MIND! youth video contest, a contest launched earlier this year by Change the Conversation to bring awareness to the issue of impaired driving. I have a few questions for her today.

Cendrine Marrouat: Hello Cory, thank you for answering my questions. How did you get involved with the SPEAK YOUR MIND! Contest?

Cory Lee: I was approached through Epitome Pictures, the producers of Degrassi. As soon as I learned what it was about, I wanted to be a part of it right away.

CM: Young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 25 have until September 30, 2011, to draw inspiration from Change the Conversation's PSA, posters and web content, and produce 15-to-30-second public service announcement (PSA) videos on the dangers of drinking and driving. How will you work with the other judges to select the winning submissions?

CL: We will individually be sent the videos to watch and comment on. The scoring cards of the entire panel will determine the winner.

CM: What effects do you think this contest will have on participants -- and young Canadian drivers in general?

CL: I think it is a cool and innovative way to educate and promote awareness on a very important subject matter. Hopefully it will bring more awareness and get people talking.

CM: In your opinion, what else could be done to bring awareness to this issue?

CL: I think social media is the way of the future, so using more viral tools like Youtube, Facebook and Twitter is the best way to galvanize people to become aware.

CM: "Degrassi" tackled the problem of drunk driving in the past. Are there any plans to include this issue again in future episodes?

CL: Come on now! I can’t reveal any upcoming storylines! But you can rest assured that Degrassi will be drama filled and that there will always be consequences.

CM: Any last words?

CL: Drinking and driving is very dangerous - I have lost friends to drunk drivers and it is very hard to go through. Educate yourself because knowledge is power!