Crayola Studios, Bentonville Film Festival unveil finalists of Kids’ Content Development Initiative
June 10, 2026
The Kids’ Content Development Initiative was created to discover and develop the next generation of storytellers shaping kids and family entertainment. Inspired by Crayola Studios’ commitment to kids’ creative development, the programme provides emerging creators with an opportunity to transform original ideas into content that encourages the behaviours, confidence, and skills that help shape a lifelong creative mindset. Five projects have been selected following a highly competitive submission process that attracted more than 120 qualifying entries to the Initiative.
The five finalists will present their original concepts to a panel of judges, introduced by EVP, Head of Crayola Studios Sabrina Wiewel, on June 17th at 4:30pm (CT) at The Rode House. The panel will feature Crayola Studios representatives and leading figures from the children’s entertainment industry, including: on behalf of Crayola Studios Rick Glankler, Principal of GoatFish, and Kerry Crowley, Executive Development; Sasha Duncan, Director of Development from Kickstart Entertainment; and MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host, Emily Calandrelli.
The creator of the winning concept – spanning animation, live action, or mixed media and aligning with Crayola Studios’ vision to put creativity at the heart of its content – will receive $10,000 and the opportunity for development of the winning concept by Crayola Studios.
- Olive and Glinda: An 11-minute animated comedy for 6- to 11-year-olds, created by Wendy Anderson and Arno Salters
- Color Me In: An 11-minute hybrid animated series for kids 5 to 7, created by Clint Schaff
- Everywhere, ART!: An11-minute live action puppet series for 3- to 5-year-olds, created by Kris Mukai
- ImagINN: A magical animated series for children 6 to 11, created by Nicole Graves
- Imagi-goo Art Factory: A mixed media series for kids 2 to 7, created by Christina Zagarino & Renata Townsend
Sabrina Wiewel, EVP and Head of Crayola Studios, said: “We believe creativity is one of the most powerful forces in a child’s life. It’s how kids build confidence, solve problems, express themselves, and imagine what’s possible. This initiative is designed to create opportunities for creatives with fresh perspectives and original ideas that can inspire the next generation. We were blown away by the imagination, heart, and originality of the submissions, and particularly, our finalists. We’re excited to hear their pitches and select a winning project, all in an effort to bring new voices and exciting new IP into kids and family entertainment.”
The Initiative was designed to not only discover fresh new ideas and formats, but to also create meaningful industry access for emerging creators, offering a rare opportunity to connect directly with an established studio and advance their concepts into professional development. The finalists are being invited to attend the Festival to pitch their concepts and gain opportunities to connect with potential co-producers, distributors, and international broadcasters.
The programme builds on Crayola Studios’ broader strategy to develop multi-genre content for kids and families, unlocking creativity and imagination through the power of content that will empower kids’ to achieve their full potential.
The partnership with BFF complements Crayola Studios’ existing collaborations with production companies, animation studios, and IP owners, and supports its growing slate, which includes titles such as Pablo Next Level, Rainbow Brite, and The Neverending Pillow Fort.
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