Crayola Studios, the content arm of the world’s leading brand for art and self-expression, today announces a new program to identify and develop original kids’ content in partnership with two-time Academy Award® winner Geena Davis and her Bentonville Film Festival (BFF).
The initiative is designed to spotlight emerging creative developers with original ideas for children’s content, offering a rare opportunity to connect directly with an established studio and take their concepts into development.
As part of this submissions process, selected finalists will be invited to present their ideas live at the 2026 Bentonville Film Festival (June 15–21) to a panel of industry professionals, including executives from Crayola Studios and Walmart. One concept will be selected for further development with Crayola Studios.
Submissions are now open, inviting content creators and creative developers to submit a one-page elevator pitch outlining their concept, intended audience, and alignment with the Crayola Studios brand.
Geena Davis, Chair of the Bentonville Film Festival, said: “BFF has always been about providing opportunities for emerging storytellers to have their voices heard. Kids’ content wields a powerful influence on the imagination of a child as well as shaping how they see themselves; their possibilities and the world around them. Partnering with Crayola Studios – a brand that has deeply inspired creativity in children for generations – is an incredible opportunity to discover new talent. We’re excited to welcome the finalists to BFF and help bring their stories to life.”
Sabrina Wiewel, EVP and Head of Crayola Studios, said: “As Crayola Studios continues to expand our slate of kids’ and family content, partnering with Geena Davis and the Bentonville Film Festival, who share our belief in the power of creativity – provides an opportunity to discover fresh new storytellers. We are looking for bold, original ideas that unleash the power of creativity one colorful story at a time.”
The program builds on Crayola Studios’ broader strategy to develop multi-genre content for kids and families, centred on creativity, imagination, and color. The partnership with BFF complements the studio’s 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.
Full details of the competition and submission guidelines are available at: http://www.crayola.com/StudioSubmissions.
