A world once dominated by toys and board games is about to experience a massive explosion of color – both literally and figuratively.
In a surprising yet innovative move, the company that has infused color into the lives of countless children and artists is stepping into the limelight of the entertainment industry. Crayola, famous for its vast range of coloring tools, is diving into the vast ocean of movies and TV shows, and they’re not starting small.
Inspired by giants like Mattel, with its recent success with the live-action Barbie film, Crayola aims to establish a mark with a cinematic universe. Not just any universe, though, but one bursting with imagination, creativity, and a rainbow of emotions. Enter Crayola Studios.
In a statement evoking a feeling of nostalgia combined with exhilaration, Victoria Lozano, Crayola’s EVP of Marketing’s remark emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing future generations with content that fosters lifelong creative mindsets, saying:
As world leaders in creative self-expression, the establishment of Crayola Studios is a logical next step for us.
Our unique perspective offers an exciting opportunity for the industry as it searches for standout new and trusted content that has creativity at its heart.
The announcement, as per Deadline, has spread like wildfire and heralds the union of Crayola with MIMO Studios, led by an iconic figure in the industry, the former Nickelodeon chief, Cyma Zarghami.
Their collaboration kickstarts with a promising project, The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian. This is a name familiar to podcast enthusiasts, especially those who cherish the vibrancy of youth and the endless corridors of imagination. The podcast, penned and narrated by the talented Jonathan Messinger, has amassed a dedicated audience with its twelve seasons, offering 260 episodes of escapades since 2016.
The story of Finn Caspian isn’t just another space tale. It’s about an eight-year-old boy’s adventures aboard the Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station. Alongside his comrades, Abigail, Elias, and Vale, Finn Caspian wanders uncharted planets, assists curious aliens, and deciphers mysteries threatening his celestial home.
Cyma Zarghami, head of MIMO Studios, beautifully captures the essence of the upcoming venture: “Crayola is synonymous with kids and color and we are so excited to collaborate with them to bring these beloved journeys to life through world-class animation and artistry.” Expanding on the essence of the story, she mentions, “The combination of great characters, creativity, adventure, and information is something we can’t wait to bring to audiences worldwide.”
Although Crayola is primarily known for its crayons, this audacious move is a testament to the company and its evolving vision. Partnering with entities like Goatfish Agency and Hallmark Media ensures that Crayola Studios has a formidable backing as it embarks on this journey.
Lozano, beaming with enthusiasm for the Crayola Studios’ prospects, describes the series as a show that will “allow kids to explore the power and limitless potential of imagination, self-expression, and creativity.” And rightly so, as the essence of Crayola aligns with the adventures of Finn Caspian.
Drawing an inevitable comparison, we’ve seen how Mattel capitalized on Barbie’s iconic status to break into films. Now, as Crayola ventures forth, it’s not just about a box of crayons embarking on a journey. It’s about the power of creativity and imagination. The future, thus, holds promises of a Crayola-inspired universe where stories aren’t just watched; they’re felt.
Whether or not we’ll see crayons embarking on their own epic tales remains to be seen. But in a decade that’s seen the release of surprising successes, including Barbie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, we’re all game for a colorful journey ahead.
