Toronto's Epitome Pictures are developing a big screen feature based on CTV's high school teen series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" says the Hollywood North Report.

Kevin "Jersey Girl" Smith is tapped to direct for a late August shoot in Toronto. Smith recently appeared on the series alongside Jay And Silent Bob sidekick Jason Mewes.

The series was removed from the broadcast schedule of publicly-funded PBS network, following complaints from citizen's rights groups objecting to the series' realistic portrayals of teens involved with drugs, sex and rock 'n roll.

Two "Degrassi: TNG" books and a TV doc are currently in the works, with the fifth season now prepping for Toronto production. The show airs in the US, UK, Australia and France.

Thanks to 'Mark'.