Crayola is getting into the movie business with a range of children’s movies and TV shows. It's drawing up plans as we speak.
After the huge success of the recent Barbie movie, it looks as though Crayola is seeking to follow in Mattel’s footsteps, launching Crayola Studios. According to Deadline, the studio has even set its first project, teaming with MIMO Studios to co-develop The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian.
“As world leaders in creative self-expression, the establishment of Crayola Studios is a logical next step for us,” said Crayola EVP Marketing, Victoria Lozano.
“It builds on plans announced last year to develop entertainment content that inspires and nurtures the next generation and helps them develop lifelong creative mindsets,” Lozano added. “Our unique perspective offers an exciting opportunity for the industry as it searches for stand-out new and trusted content that has creativity at its heart.”
Crayola Studios plans to partner with production companies, studios, and IP owners to create films and TV shows for broadcast on networks around the world. Lozano will oversee the new studio with support from Goatfish Agency, which was founded by Rick Glankler, Fremantle’s former President and General Manager Kids & Family Entertainment. Hallmark Media will also support the studio.
“Crayola is synonymous with kids and colour and we are so excited to collaborate with them to bring these beloved journeys to life through world-class animation and artistry,” said MIMO Studios head, Cyma Zarghami. “We have been cultivating The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian since we first identified it and immediately saw the great potential and opportunity to tell rich stories in video the way Gen-Z Media did in the podcast. The combination of great characters, creativity, adventure, and information is something we can’t wait to bring to audiences worldwide.”
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is based on a kids' podcast, written and performed by Jonathan Messinger. It tells the story of Finn Caspian, an eight-year-old boy who lives aboard an interplanetary space station and regularly explores uncharted planets, getting into adventures with his friends, Abigail, Elias, and Vale.
“This series allows kids to explore the power and limitless potential of imagination, self-expression, and creativity,” said Lozano. “Its DNA is at the very core of what we do at Crayola and a perfect example of the type of shows we want to produce going forward. We’re thrilled to join forces with the talented team at MIMO to bring Finn’s action-packed adventures to life.”
Want to read more about kids movies? Check out the most surprising changes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and find out where you can stream The Super Marios Bros Movie.
Image credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
