As the first film in a family-friendly trilogy, the stop-motion and digital The Legend of Santa Claus from Salt Lake City-based indie film prodco and distribution company Lumenas Animation Studios, has gone into pre-production for a holiday holiday 2009 theatrical debut.

The animated feature has been in development for more than three years, and tells the story of young Nicholas as he explores the life of jolly old Saint Nick in the 18th century, a time before he slipped down chimneys to deliver presents to good boys and girls. The Lumenas team includes animators, writers and visual effects artists who’ve worked on a number of well-known features, including Toy Story, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Brand plans include a licensing program covering several categories, bringing product into market in 2010, an in-school curriculum effort throughout 2010; and a major philanthropic campaign inspired by the property’s theme of giving.