Disney+ has revealed the films for the second season of Launchpad.
Like season 1, this batch features a collection of live-action shorts from a new generation of promising and dynamic filmmakers and will premiere on Disney+.
In its second season, Launchpad has added writers to its roster, bringing the total number of creatives involved to six writers, five directors, and one director/writer– and all are from underrepresented backgrounds.
The competing filmmakers will have the opportunity to share their creative visions and present them to audiences worldwide. The new season premieres in 2023.
Here is the goal of the series from Disney:
The goal of Disney’s “Launchpad” is to diversify the types of stories that are being told and to give access to those who have historically not had it. Each of the filmmakers are paired with a senior Disney creative executive, who guides them through a program that educates and supports their short’s efforts. Inspired by life’s journey, these six shorts for Disney+ are based on the theme “Connection.”
Mahin Ibrahim, Director, Representation & Inclusion Strategies, Creative Talent Pathways, who oversees the Launchpad core program, said, “Our first season of ‘Launchpad’ has already proven to be a real launchpad for success, with Ann Marie Pace set to direct an episode of Disney+’s ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. This season we have twelve talented filmmakers who are telling deeply personal and meaningful stories that will resonate with audiences everywhere.”
Phillip Domfeh, Senior Manager, who runs Launchpad’s season 2 added, “We couldn’t be more excited for our budding talent in our new Launchpad Cohort, now featuring writers in our program for the first time. We are confident that they all will deliver thought-provoking, adventurous, moving and hilarious short films to eager audiences on Disney+.”
Here are the six films premiering through the Launchpad program:
Beautiful, FL – Director: Gabriela Ortega; Writers: Joel Perez and Adrian Ferbeyre
A teen girl scrambles to get spare parts from her eclectic trailer park neighbors and fix the family RV in time to share her tia abuela’s special flavor in the annual Beautiful, FL Ice Cream Competition.
Black Belts – Director: Spencer Glover; Writer: Xavier Stiles
KJ, an offbeat middle schooler and martial arts movie nerd from Compton, challenges the top dojos in South LA, wearing his uncle’s old black belt. But when his former fighter dad gets too involved, both learn there’s more to life than keeping your guard up.
The Ghost – Director: Erica Eng; Writer: Kevin Park
12-year-old Clarice Cheung feels like she’s invisible in her family—especially next to her older sister Naomi. But when a powerful ghost appears in their house, the estranged sisters will have to team up and stop it before their family is torn apart forever.
Maxine – Director/Writer: Niki Ang
Nervous about introducing her first girlfriend to her family, a queer college student gets help from the spirit of a long lost relative during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Project CC – Director: Cashmere Jasmine; Writer: Jasmine Johnson
A brilliant child scientist must reconnect with her beauty influencer sister when a cloning experiment goes awry.
The Roof – Director: Alexander Bocchieri; Writer: W.A.W. Parker
After being sent to stay with his grandfather, a Cheyenne teen uncovers a secret that connects him to his family and community in a way he never thought possible.
