FACT SHEET TITLE: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE ANIMATED SERIES LENGTH: 26x30 NOLA CODE: GABL 101-126 SD-Base Revision 001 CATEGORY: Children / Animation OFFERED: Summer 2009 RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2010 CONTRACT TERMS: Unlimited releases to be completed by April 4, 2015. Additional rights granted: noncommercial cable and one-year school re-record. PRODUCER: Sullivan Entertainment, Inc. NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR: American Public Television (APT) PRESENTER: APT Presentations SERIES DESCRIPTION: Inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novels, Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series follows the adventures of 10-year-old Anne Shirley, whose independent spirit and impetuous nature make the fictional turn-of-thecentury town of Avonlea an exciting place to live. Whimsical and engaging storylines revolve around the timeless problems kids face: selfesteem, gossip, bullying, sibling rivalry, friendship, sharing and more. PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS: Use above for listing. Also included: a press release and character profiles. Visit APTonline.org to download photos. -more- ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE ANIMATED SERIES /2 FACT SHEET COPYRIGHT DATE: © 2000 Sullivan Entertainment PRODUCTION CREDITS: Executive Producer: Kevin Sullivan. Executive Producer: Trudy Grant. Producer: Marilyn McAuley. Executive in Charge of Production: Elizabeth Young. Associate Producer: Christine Davis. Production Manager: Cherri Hurst. Director: Lilliane André. Supervising Story Editor: Michael MacLennan. Design Supervisor: Dave Quesnelle. Layout Supervisor: Ted Collyer. Posing Supervisor: Scott Glynn. Background Supervisor: Dejan Ostojic. Ink and Paint Supervisor: Seamus O’Keefe. Music Composer: Peter Breiner. BROADCAST HISTORY: PBS distributed the series from 2000-2006. TVO aired the series from 2001-2009. CTV will air the series through 2012. SCHEDULING SUGGESTION: Each episode explores a different theme or concept integral to the healthy social and emotional development of viewers five to 10 year-olds. Consider scheduling during the PBS Kids block. RELATED MERCHANDISE: Viewers: This series is on DVD via Sullivan Entertainment. EDUCATION: An educator’s guide for every episode is available for download from www.annetoon.com. There is a strong educational component to the series. The educational objectives support the child’s development of his/her identity, reinforced by the teachings they absorb through daily challenges. Social and emotional skills are emphasized, including the importance of sharing and helping others, taking accountability for your actions; collaboration; respect for those who are different from ourselves and the depiction of adults as positive role models. -more- ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE ANIMATED SERIES /3 FACT SHEET VIEWER INQUIRIES: Sullivan Entertainment 110 Davenport Road Toronto, Ontario M5R 3R3 Canada 416-921-7177 WEB SITE: www.annetoon.com STATION CONTACT: Dawn Anderson American Public Television (617) 338-4455, ext. 149 dawn_anderson@APTonline.org 2/1/10 CONTACT: Dawn Anderson (617) 338-4455, ext. 149 dawn_anderson@APTonline.org PRESS RELEASE ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE ANIMATED SERIES The Brainy and Talkative Redhead Returns to Educate and Entertain a New Generation (Boston, MA – February 1, 2010) Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series returns to public television in Spring 2010 (check local listings) with 26 episodes that follow the adventures of the irrepressible Anne Shirley, whose independent spirit and impetuous nature make turn-of-the-century Avonlea an exciting place to live. Children ages 4-9 will be enchanted by the colorful world of intelligent and outspoken 10year-old who all too often creates havoc — though with the best of intentions. The series comes from Emmy-winning Sullivan Entertainment, producers of the original live-action Anne of Green Gables which starred Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth and Megan Follows. Inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novels, Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series is set in the fictional world of Avonlea, a charming village in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Viewers can reacquaint themselves with the Avonlea’s familiar cast of charcters: brother and sister Matthew and Marilla, Anne’s best friend Diana, strict schoolmarm Hetty King, congenial general store owner Mr. Lawson and mysterious Peg Bowen. The series also explores themes and concepts integral to the healthy social and emotional development of young viewers. Entertaining and engaging storylines revolve around the timeless problems kids face from dealing with a bully to managing one’s allowance. Anne is a gentle role model who leads viewers to recognize the importance of family, friends and self-confidence. She illustrates to young viewers that a positive outlook and an appreciation for the viewpoints of others can add fun, friendship and excitement to life. Each episode closes with characters learning more about themselves and how to get along with others, despite their differences. . -more- ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE ANIMATED SERIES /2 PRESS RELEASE Produced in 2000 by Sullivan Entertainment, Inc., Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series is presented by American Public Television through the Exchange service at no cost to public television stations nationwide. Sullivan Entertainment, Inc. Sullivan Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiaries develop, produce and distribute high-quality series, mini-series and movies for television and international release. A large degree of Sullivan's library is family-oriented, but the company also owns and controls a wide array of films in numerous genres. Sullivan Entertainment is one of the leading producers and distributors of exportable Canadian television programming, with more than 20 years of successful operations and a library consisting of over 600 half-hour equivalents of programming. Sullivan's programs have achieved widespread critical and commercial success, both in Canada and internationally. The company has the distinction of having created the highest-rated Canadian-content programming in this country's history. Sullivan's productions have won more than 175 awards, including 6 Emmy Awards, 42 Gemini Awards, the prestigious George Foster Peabody award, the Prix Jeunesse and 3 Cable Ace Awards, along with numerous awards and honors at many of the world's leading festivals for family films. A consistently high-quality product with a distinctive style has created the Sullivan brand: the combination of high production values with a story-telling style that has the ability to cross cultural borders and to continually entertain and enlighten audiences. American Public Television American Public Television (APT) has been a leading distributor of high-quality, top-rated programming to America’s public television stations since 1961. Among its 300 new program titles per year are prominent documentaries, dramatic series, how-to programs, children’s series and classic movies, including Spain...on the road Again, Rick Steves' Europe, Worldfocus, Globe Trekker, Simply Ming, America's Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated, Lidia's Family Table, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, Murdoch Mysteries, Doc Martin, Rosemary and Thyme, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, Liza’s at the Palace…. and John Denver: The Wildlife Concert. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service. In 2006, APT launched Create™ – the TV channel featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming. For more information about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org. ### EPISODE LISTINGS ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE ANIMATED SERIES #101 "Carrots" Writers: Terri Hawkes and Michael MacLennan Tired of enduring Gilbert's taunts about her red hair, Anne resolves to do something about it. While her results are initially disastrous, Anne manages to reverse her mistakes. She emerges with a more balanced attitude about herself. #102 "Babysitter Blues" Writer: Patrick Granleese Gilbert thinks babysitting his infant cousin will be a breeze until he finds himself alone with the child. Anne, who has a great deal of experience looking after children, comes to his assistance. Gilbert comes to realize how demanding and difficult babysitting can be, and the importance of being vigilant, caring and prepared. #103 "The Stray" Writer: Claire Ross Dunn A stray dog arrives on the doorstep of Green Gables and Anne soon decides to keep the pooch. Marilla opposes the idea: they have enough animals. However, after a series of mishaps, Anne comes to realize the responsibilities involved in looking after a dog. Peg Bowen eventually comes to claim her lost dog. In the end, Anne decides to visit the dog in its forest home until the time comes for her to own her own dog. #104 “The Best Partner” Writers: Laura Kosterski & Stephan Zoller The kids eagerly anticipate the arrival of Mr. Gresham's nephew Ben — especially since his visit coincides with a sports day. To their surprise, Ben arrives on crutches, paralyzed by polio. With empathy and creativity shown on both sides, the children learn to fully welcome Ben into the group — and the games — as a valuable teammate. #105 "A Question of Rules" Writer: Clive Endersby The Avonlea kids prepare for their annual Hunt for the Golden Crown, which contains very complex rules and rituals. A dilemma ensues for Anne and the children: which rules should they follow? After thinking that rules are silly and unnecessary, Anne learns the importance of obeying certain rules. #106 "Taffy" Writer: Patrick Granleese When the confection Anne made for Avonlea's annual Taffy Day turns out horridly salty, she blames a scheming Felicity. Both girls eventually begin to work together to solve their misunderstanding. #107 "One True Friend" Writer: Clive Endersby Disaster strikes when Diana comes down with a case of head-lice. Anne feels only sympathy, takes the necessary precautions, and thinks nothing more of it until the other schoolmates make fun of Diana and shun Anne for remaining her friend. Anne considers abandoning Diana in order to salvage her coveted popularity. But after thinking — and imagining — things through, she comes to value the importance of loyalty. #108 "Lost and Found" Writer: Claire Ross Dunn When Anne and Diana head off into the woods in search of buried treasure, they get hopelessly lost and find much more than they bargained for. #109 "Idle Chatter" Writer: Michael MacLennan Anne thinks she saw Gilbert cheating on a test. Her decision to discuss her unfounded suspicions with other schoolmates harms Gilbert's grades and reputation. When Anne sees the error of her ways, she scrambles to fix things — but is it too late? #110 "Bully by the Horns" Writer: Michael MacLennan Ralph, the new kid in town, is bullying Felix. Anne tries to stick up for her younger schoolmate, only to realize that she too bullies Ralph on occasion. With Anne's help, Felix applies some creative tactics to help diffuse Ralph's aggression and even to offer the beginnings of friendship. #111 “The Ice Cream Promise” Writer: Claire Ross Dunn A small promise becomes a sizeable commitment when Anne agrees to help Marilla make ice cream. She and Marilla soon start to miss out on other activities they would rather do. Still, neither knows how to broach the topic with the other. Good thing Matthew's around. #112 "The Sleeves" Writers: Laura Kosterski & Stephan Zoller All of Avonlea is abuzz when the world-famous Amelia Evans returns to her hometown. Preoccupied with her appearance, Anne nearly forgets what is most important about her contribution to the talent show held in Miss Evans' honor. #113 "The Avonlea Herald" Writer: Michael MacLennan Under the guidance of Rachel Lynde, the children start up The Avonlea Herald, a weekly newspaper. Anne works hard to be made editor. The other children gladly fill their respective posts. As they are working on their first issue, a big story breaks in Avonlea, sending the whole "staff" into action. Anne, in her enthusiasm, takes over all departments and soon, her dictatorial management style disheartens the other children. She comes to realize her own attitude is the problem. When she allows everyone to feel a sense of ownership and the rewards of contributing, the news team starts to function smoothly and the resulting issue is a great success. #114 "Chores Eclipsed" Writer: Michael MacLennan Anne eagerly plans a party to coincide with the coming lunar eclipse — until her obsession causes her to neglect her household chores and throw Green Gables into chaos. #115 "The Swim of Things" Writer: Michael MacLennan Everybody’s swimming at the pond except Felix. A poor swimmer, he has become discouraged and disheartened. Like everybody else, Anne is impatient with her friend's limitations. However, when an injury sidelines her, Felix helps her with her exercises. Soon the two unlikely friends are hard at work, helping one another train. Felix attempts to learn how to dive. By developing his strength, flexibility and general confidence, he sees amazing results, dazzling his friends — and impressing himself. #116 “Butterflies” Writer: Claire Ross Dunn A hockey match between Avonlea and Carmody is approaching. Team captain Gilbert, an excellent player and a fairly good leader, advocates "winning at any cost." The adults also get caught up in their obsession for the team to win. By the time the big game begins, the team is fragmented and discouraged. #117 “A Walk in His Shoes” Writer: Michael MacLennan Anne and Marilla cannot see eye-to-eye on farming tasks. Anne grows impatient with Marilla's style of working and insists on doing things ‘her way’. Marilla frustrates Anne so much that she argues with her guardian. Anne’s imagination helps her to see how Marilla's experience has helped shaped her opinions. While Anne doesn't change her own mind, she comes to respect the right for others to have differing points of view. #118 "The Witch of Avonlea" Writer: Kate Barris When Miss King emphasizes the importance of Anne's contribution to the region's spelling bee, Anne begins to doubt her abilities and fears letting down her team. #119 “A Square Peg” Writer: Michael MacLennan Peg Bowen makes a rare trip into town for winter supplies. The children decide to spy on the old woman when she returns to her home in the woods. They embark on a spy mission when Anne loses her way in a snowstorm. Peg rescues Anne and Anne returns to Avonlea with a newfound respect for this mysterious woman of the woods. #120 “Marbles” Writer: Ken Ross Anne gets so swept up in the marbles fad at school that she loses a marble Matthew has owned since he was a boy. She realizes that her obsession with winning only created bad feelings. She persuades the other children to stop playing marbles and to put the fun back in the game. #121 "Oh Brother!" Writer: Clive Endersby Felix and Felicity are driving one another crazy. A King family reunion approaches but the brother and sister just cannot seem to get along. Anne enters the fray with the idealism of an only child. Alas, Anne's efforts create even more problems until a crisis ensues. In the end, however, both Felicity and Felix discover aspects and skills in the other they never before realized or appreciated. #122 “A Condition of Superstition’ Writer: Ken Ross Anne and Diana’s superstitious beliefs wreak havoc with Marilla’s plan to persuade the Avonlea town council to build a new library. Chastened, Anne comes to realize that superstition stops people from solving problems themselves. #123 “A Welcome Hero” Writer: Michael MacLennan Anne’s thrilled to hear that famous adventure novelist E.J. Lark is coming to town. Upon meeting the novelist, she is dismayed to realize that the writer isn’t the handsome, debonair celebrity she envisioned, but a bespectacled female who looks like a librarian. However, a few hours in her company soon makes Anne aware of her sterling qualities and she ultimately realizes that you can’t judge a book by its cover. #124 "A Better Mousetrap" Writer: Clive Endersby Avonlea is being overrun by mice. Anne and Diana regret that Felix must join them in their school assignment that addresses Avonlea's growing mouse problem. In time, however, Anne comes to see Felix's value, and allow him to contribute, thus saving the day. #125 "No Anne is an Island" Writer: Bruce Robb Snubbed by their classmates, Anne and Diana set up the Order of the Kindred Spirit, an exclusive club of two. Midway through building their complex clubhouse, they discover everyone else at school has responded by excluding them and making their own club! #126 "Anne's Disappearing Allowance" Writer: Claire Ross Dunn Anne receives her first allowance. Enthralled by the luxuries of Lawson's General Store, she spends nearly all of it unwisely. Her spendthrift ways nearly cause her to lose allowance privileges — until she comes to appreciate the importance of managing her own money. ### CHARACTER PROFILES Anne Shirley (voiced by Bryn McAuley) Anne is a 10-year-old orphan who lives with brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert at Green Gables farm near the town of Avonlea. She is a terrible romantic and has a vivid imagination. When Anne is in a predicament it is often her imagination which allows her to see things from the point-of-view of others, helping her to understand her problems and to then work out a solution. She is an enthusiastic, passionate child — when she finds something to delight in she’ll proclaim, “Isn’t it wonderful!” When things go badly she’ll declare she’s “in the depths of despair”. Anne does have a temper. She’s also loyal, theatrical, dramatic, generous, polite, forthright, bold and brave. Anne ‘s passions often get her into scrapes. As Marilla says, “One thing’s for certain, no house will ever be dull that has Anne in it.” Matthew Cuthbert (voiced by Wayne Robson) Matthew is Marilla’s bachelor brother. He is a shy, very gentle, very loving man who is deathly afraid of women – that is, except for Anne and Marilla, both of whom he loves above all else. Matthew understands both Marilla and Anne perfectly. He pokes gentle fun at his sister by turning her proverbs upside down. Whereas Marilla believes happiness is hard work, Matthew believes happiness is fun. “A penny saved is one less candy.” Anne often finds a refuge in Matthew, he is a constant loving force to whom she can always turn. Marilla Cuthbert (voiced by Patricia Gage) Marilla is a stern woman whose no-nonsense, somewhat severe exterior masks a soft heart. Marilla believes there is a right way and a wrong way to be. She doesn’t brook excuses, nor does she suffer fools. Strong but fair-minded, Marilla will always hear you out. Marilla loves Anne deeply but she finds it hard to express her feelings. She doesn’t understand her high-spirited ward, nor does she believe a word of Anne’s fanciful stories. But she is very proud of Anne. Diana Barry (voiced by Emily Hampshire) Diana is the same age as Anne and is her best friend. She lives on a neighbouring farm. Diana is not nearly as bold as Anne but she is definitely the most kindred of kindred spirits. Diana is uncomplicated and delightful. Diana is forever telling Anne to “look before you leap”, then suffering the consequences when Anne pays no attention at all. Still, Diana is a game girl. She joins Anne in many of her adventures as her stalwart sidekick. Gilbert Blythe (voiced by Ali Mukaddam) Gilbert Blythe is a year older than Anne — he is her classmate and equal. He’s also a kindred spirit but much more pragmatic than Anne. He is generous, athletic, bright and fair-minded. In school Gilbert and Anne often vie with each other to be head of the class. His relationship with Anne is amicable and competitive. Felicity King (voiced by Dalene Irvine) Felicity is vain, egotistical and snooty. She thinks she’s intelligent and is jealous of the attention Gilbert pays Anne. When she and Anne come into contact, the sparks fly. Relating to Anne’s unconventional view of things requires a stretching of her limited imagination, which Felicity finds difficult, if not painful. Her on-going mission: to torment Anne at any cost. Felix King (voiced by Kyle Fairlie) Felicity’s younger brother Felix, is a tubby, sturdy, inventive little dynamo. He’s not the smartest kid in Avonlea, and his grades in school are a true reflection of that fact; however, Felix has few inhibitions and embraces adventures and people with gusto. He thinks Anne is the cat’s meow and will follow her anywhere, which doesn’t go over well with controlling Felicity. Rachel Lynde (voiced by Patricia Hamilton) Rachel is a contemporary of Marilla’s. She is a first-class busybody and nosy parker. Her house on the Hill Road has a 360 degree view of Avonlea, perfect for allowing Rachel to keep an eye on everyone’s business. Everything in Avonlea runs the gauntlet of Rachel’s all-seeing eye. She has her finger in every pie and is forever organizing – whether anyone asks her to or not. Pat Hamilton, who played the role in the live action mini-series, provides Rachel’s voice. Hetty King (voiced by Linda Sorensen) As the teacher at the local school, Hetty rules her class with a will of iron and woe betide anyone who disobeys her orders. Hetty has a tongue as sharp as a knife and she would never hesitate to put someone in their place. For all her faults however, deep down Hetty is fair, if opinionated. ###