Helix Films, an independent production company, announced today that they have formed an exclusive partnership with Meccano Toy Company to develop an original 3D feature film based upon the iconic Erector Set brand of children's construction toys. The deal represents the first time Meccano has licensed film rights to their toys.

Helix is currently developing an original script with an eye towards creating a film franchise based on the Erector brand that could also expand to other entertainment platforms including television and video games. While details of the story are being kept under wraps, the film will be a family fantasy/adventure.

"The three partners of Helix Films all grew up playing with Erector Set toys but in different countries--Kevin Foo in Australia, Gaukhar Noortas in Kazakhstan and me and my brother Robert in the U.S.--so our partnership with Meccano is very personal, as well as exciting," said Steven-Charles Jaffe (Ghost, Star Trek IV, Strange Days) of Santa Monica-based Helix Films. "We believe the iconic Erector brand offers generational appeal with global reach, providing a tremendous platform to create a thrilling film franchise that boys, girls and adults will all adore."

"The very core of Meccano/Erector is about creating educational toys that enable children and adults to imagine and create completely new worlds," said Michael Ingberg, CEO of Meccano Toy Company. "It's perfect for a film franchise as it is certain to entertain but also stimulate creativity and imagination as the Erector toy system has done around the world for nearly a hundred years."

Invented in England by Frank Hornby in 1901, Meccano was conceived as a model toy construction system comprising re-usable metal strips, plates, angle girders, wheels, axles and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. The toy has sold under the "Erector Set" brand in the U.S. since 1913. Erector sets enable the building of working models and mechanical devices and have inspired countless engineers, designers, architects and creative minds of all ages. Modern versions include new technologies to accelerate construction for even the youngest children. Meccano/Erector set toy products are currently sold in more than 80 countries.