YTV Introduces Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables to a New Generation of Canadian Families in World Premiere Event

Two-hour original movie featuring Ella Ballentine as Anne Shirley, Martin Sheen as Matthew Cuthbert and Sara Botsford as Marilla Cuthbert debuts Monday, February 15 at 6 p.m. ET/PT on YTV

TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - YTV presents the world premiere of Canada's most beloved red-head in Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables on Monday, February 15 at 6 p.m. ET/PT in a two-hour special, television event. The much anticipated original movie was filmed in Canada and stars acclaimed actor Martin Sheen as Matthew Cuthbert, 13-year old newcomer Ella Ballentine as Anne Shirley and Canadian actress Sara Botsford as Marilla Cuthbert. To view a sneak peek, click here.

True to the beloved tale that has enchanted fans for over a century, Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables is the story of Anne Shirley, a fiercely imaginative little girl who touches the lives of everyone she meets. Taken from an orphanage to help with the household of an older couple, Anne becomes the charge of strait-laced Marilla Cuthbert and her shy brother Matthew Cuthbert. Though Marilla is determined to bring discipline to the irrepressible Anne, neither has any idea as to the profound impact they will soon have on each other's lives.

"The excitement is palpable in bringing Anne of Green Gables, a national treasure, to life in a YTV original movie," said Jamie Piekarz, Director of Content, Corus Kids.

"A century after it was written, Anne's story remains relevant because it illuminates a universal truth – the resilience in adversity of the human spirit," said Executive Producers Joan Lambur and Peter Williamson.

Kate Macdonald Butler, President of family-owned Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc. and Executive producer on the film, said, "This beautiful new adaptation of my grandmother's most famous novel, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has my whole hearted endorsement. It has truly been an exciting project to be part of and we are extremely proud of this impressive film with an outstanding cast and crew.

YTV welcomes Tourism Prince Edward Island as the presenting sponsor of this world television premiere with sponsor billboards, custom travel vignettes and a contest created in partnership with Corus. Tourism Prince Edward Island will also be featured in YTV's Big Fun Movies leading up to the broadcast premiere. The integration will feature Canadian families talking about the fun, adventure and kindred spirits that await them on Prince Edward Island.

Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables is produced by Breakthrough Entertainment in association with the author's granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler who served as Executive Producer. The film was directed by John Kent Harrison (The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler) and was based on the original script by Susan Coyne (Slings and Arrows, Best Laid Plans). Additional cast includes Julia Lalonde, Kate Honig, Stefani Kimber, Drew Haytaoglu, Kyle Gatehouse and Linda Kash.

First published in 1908, Anne of Green Gables remains an iconic work of Canadian literature, which has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. The eight classic Anne of Green Gables novels set in P.E.I. have attracted generations of readers inspired by the adventures of the spirited redhead Anne Shirley, who comes to stay at Green Gables and wins the hearts of everyone she meets.

About YTV
Celebrating 25 years in television, YTV is a leading cross platform entertainment brand for kids and families. The channel offers quality entertainment with hilarious animated and live-action comedy series, popular Nickelodeon series, blockbuster movies, top-rated original Canadian programming, music, celebrities and the channel's after-school block, The Zone. Through its multiple platforms and exclusive digital and interactive content, YTV is the voice of Canadian youth culture. YTV is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc.

About Breakthrough Entertainment
Headquartered in Toronto, Breakthrough Entertainment Inc. (BEI) is a world class studio, being a leading global producer and distributor of acclaimed primetime comedy and drama series, as well as factual entertainment, documentaries, television movies, feature films, family entertainment and children's animation. As one of Canada's largest television production and distribution companies, BEI has licensed programs to major broadcasters worldwide.  A vertically-integrated entertainment studio, Breakthrough is involved in worldwide distribution as well as pre-sales, co-productions and third-party acquisitions.  In addition, Breakthrough's digital media division ranks among one of the industry's most respected producers of high quality digital entertainment including ebooks, webisodes and online and mobile games.  www.breakthroughentertainment.com. Follow us on Twitter @breakthru_ent.

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SOURCE YTV Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "(From L to R) Sara Botsford, Ella Ballentine and Martin Sheen in Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (CNW Group/YTV Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160119_C4580_PHOTO_EN_600796.jpg

Video with caption: "Video: Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables premiering Monday, February 15 at 6 p.m. ET/PT on YTV". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifhsay56Fwc&feature=youtu.be

Molly Ray, Publicity, 416-500-1442, [email protected]; Netta.Rondinelli, Corus Communications, 416.479.6443, [email protected]; Cynthia Amsden, Unit Publicity, 416.910.7740, [email protected]