Press Release from Moi j’aime la television and Helion Pictures
Paris/London 27 May 2009. Award-winning independent producers Moi j'aime la television (MJTV) and Helion Pictures are continuing to expand the reach of their hit Nickelodeon UK show GENIE IN THE HOUSE (www.genieinthehouse.com), appointing John Collins as brand consultant for the property.
This appointment comes hot on the heels of the announcement that a trilogy of feature length films based on the show are currently being made. MJTV also recently launched its own licensing division and has appointed Alexandre Mayaud as consultant working alongside John on the property in France.
Working closely with MJTV's Phil Ox and Helion's Steven Bawol, John Collins will be exploring ways to exploit the GENIE IN THE HOUSE brand across merchandising and other media including music and book publishing, video games, toys, homewares, stationery and education language learning.
John Collins is a brand and marketing consultant working with leading companies in the entertainment sector. Having spent nine years at BBC Worldwide and Chorion, brand managing and marketing key properties globally such as TWEENIES, BALAMORY, NODDY and THE MR. MEN, he brings a wealth of experience in brand development, marketing, live events and online. John launched NODDY on PBS in the US, THE MR. MEN SHOW and SAY IT WITH NODDY across Europe, and launched new property OLIVIA to the European TV and licensing industry.
Phil Ox, Managing Director of Moi j'aime la television says: "We are delighted that John is on board as a consultant for Genie as he has a wealth of experience and knowledge in licensing children's properties. We have a striking new style guide which highlights the diversity of Genie and we are looking forward to rolling out the brand into new areas of merchandising."
John Collins adds: "GENIE IN THE HOUSE is an exciting property. The television show is an established hit, but the brand has yet to be exploited fully. We look forward to working with new partners to establish the brand across all media. The show has such appeal that we can even see it expanding into different areas with the potential of a live theatre show or a recording deal."
Currently in its third season, with a total of 78 episodes, GENIE IN THE HOUSE has become a major success for commissioning broadcasters Nickelodeon UK and Canal J in France and has sold to 110 territories worldwide including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and across Africa and Asia.
The first GENIE IN THE HOUSE movie will start shooting in 2010 with release in 2011. Managing Director of French production company MJTV Phil Ox will produce the films and American Steven Bawol, MD of Helion Pictures will direct. Award-winning Grant Cathro and Lee Pressman are already on board as writer and Estelle Lafoy will be responsible for the films' international sales and financing. The cast will include Adam Morris, Angus Kennedy, Jordan Metcalfe, Katie Sheridan and Victoria Longley who all star in the television series.
Created by Phil Ox, Isabelle Dubernet, Eric Fuhrer and Steven Bawol, GENIE IN THE HOUSE is made for the international market and is team-written with the feel and production values of an American sitcom.
