And I just devoured the first book.
I was captivated by Anne I totally related to her.
I was so awkward, and I didnt feel like I fit in anywhere.
Credit: Netflix; GP Images/Getty Images
Then Netflix heard about it and got excited about it and acquired it and then we went into production.
It was important to tell the story in its original time period so that do so.
That prejudice manifests in some frightening ways.
Because what happens in the novel is, its dealt with sort of in passing in conversation Anne has.
I wanted to dramatize it and I wanted it to feel visceral.
It was all there, I just dug it out.
In the second episode, Anne goes on an odyssey that doesnt happen in the book.
Theyre beloved moments and they have to be there.
I spent a lot of time investing in their inner-most workings in my imagination.
and let the characters tell the story and let the characters emotions and experiences become plot.
That opened the door for me to send Anne on a whole new journey.
And gives it a lot of weight.
Lets talk about casting Anne, because that really is a make-it-or-break-it role.
I understand you saw almost 2,000 girls.
There is no Anne, there is no show.
So you need an actress who can carry a series.
And thats a tall order for someone whos 13.
It was really important to start early, which we did.
We started searching before we even had Netflix as a partner.
I also went across Canada to four different cities and did open calls.
You dont want them to come with, you know, some other version of themselves.
The look ofAnne With an Eis beautiful it feels so cinematic.
We set out to make a Jane Campion feature, really.
And, most prevailingly, we wanted this series to be from Annes point of view.
We were with Anne and inside her mind and feelings.
Youve never seen it?Yeah.
There have been lots of versions ofAnne of Green Gablesover the years.
Its a classic for a reason, right?Yeah, it is widely adored.
