Breakthrough & YTV Align for New Anne of Green Gables TV Movie

TORONTO: The two-hour original movie Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables from Breakthrough Entertainment is slated to debut on Corus Entertainment’s YTV in early 2016.

Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, based on the classic Anne series of novels, has been reimagined by Breakthrough in association with the author's granddaughter, Kate MacDonald Butler, who serves as an executive producer. John Kent Harrison will direct the movie special based on a script by Susan Coyne.

Joan Lambur, the executive VP for family entertainment at Breakthrough Entertainment and executive producer, said: “We are so happy Corus shares our love for this timeless story and will join with us to introduce Anne to a whole new generation. We could not have imagined a better home for this very special movie.”

“We are thrilled to bring such a time-honored and treasured Canadian story to YTV that parents can enjoy with their kids,” said Jamie Piekarz, the director of content at Corus Kids. “Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne, as played by Ella Ballentine, will inspire a new generation of kids with the timeless message of being true to oneself and become a new classic for audiences in Canada and worldwide.”

Peter Williamson, a Breakthrough Entertainment partner and executive producer, commented, “Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables provides a rare opportunity to create an important contemporary vision on a timeless classic that is true to its author. As an executive producer and consultant, Kate Macdonald Butler is playing a pivotal role in helping to ensure the film’s authenticity and author intent. Kate has devoted her adult life towards nurturing the legacy of her grandmother for future generations, and Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables represents an extraordinary opportunity to realize her deep commitment on film.”

MacDonald Butler said: “Working with Breakthrough Entertainment has been a dream come true for me. Joan Lambur, Peter Williamson and Ira Levy have been so respectful of L.M. Montgomery’s most famous novel, Anne of Green Gables. From the inspired casting, the tender script and its eloquent adherence to the story of Anne Shirley, my family is so proud to be associated with bringing Breakthrough's film adaptation to a new generation of viewers. L.M. Montgomery was my grandmother and I think there is no doubt that she would be very proud too."