Indie prodcos Moi j’aime la télévision and Helion Pictures will be creating a trilogy of feature-length films based on their half-hour comedy series Genie in the House.

Currently in its third season, with a total of 78 eps, the series has been commissioned by Nickelodeon UK and Canal J (France), along with sales to 110 territories worldwide.

The two partners will be heading to Cannes Film Festival to secure financing and a distribution deal for the movie franchise. The first installment of the Genie in the House movie will begin shooting in 2010 with a 2011 release date. MD of MJTV Phil Ox will produce and American Steven Bawol, MD of Helion, will direct. Grant Cathro and Lee Pressman are already on board as writers and Estelle Lafoy will handle for the films’ international sales and financing.

The family-oriented trilogy will be filled with special effects and follow the story of two teen girls who find themselves with their very own genie and try to make use of his powers against their father’s orders while trying to hide him.

MJTV has also recently launched its own licensing division to help extend the brand into merch and across all media including music and books, video games and educational language learning toys.