Disney’s ‘Launchpad’ Is Returning For a Third Season
The Walt Disney Studios is now accepting submissions for the third season of Disney’s Launchpad.
“Building upon the incredible creative success and industry recognition of our past two seasons, Disney’s ‘Launchpad’ Season 3 will deepen its storytelling while refining its talent pathway for emerging filmmakers with an increased focus on job opportunities within Disney,” said Phillip Yaw Domfeh, Sr. Manager and Producer of Disney Launchpad.
![Disney Launchpad Directors](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/073020_Disney-Launchpad-00-1440x810-1024x576.jpg)
![Disney Launchpad Directors](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/073020_Disney-Launchpad-00-1440x810-1024x576.jpg)
Source Credit: Disney
The live-action series is part of a broader initiative that is dedicated to “fostering emerging talent and amplifying diverse voices in filmmaking.”
Fostering Undrrespresnted Filmmakers
The Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator program invites would-be writers and directors from underrepresented backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and produce a short for the series.
The program was launched in 2021 with the goal of building a more inclusive entertainment industry and helping to foster the creativity of the next generation of storytellers.
![Disney Launchpad](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disney-Launchpad-1024x576.jpg)
![Disney Launchpad](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disney-Launchpad-1024x576.jpg)
Photo: Also Disney
“Launchpad gave me the opportunity to really stretch myself as a director—working on stunts and collaborating with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) on my visual effects is something I could have only dreamed of doing before,” said Erica Eng, Director of The Ghost. “The program works hard to set us up for success even after the program has ended, and I’m really thankful for their support as a filmmaker.”
Learning From the Best
As part of the 12-month Launchpad program, filmmakers are paired with Disney creative executives who serve as their mentors. Throughout the process, they go through a training program that is centered on the Disney Studio system. The upcoming season of the series will feature a selection of three films tied to the theme of “Forward.”
“Season three brings a new theme of forward, where we’re looking to spring forward into hope and optimism through our storytelling,” added Mahin Ibrahim, Director of Creative Talent Pathways, Representation & Inclusion Strategies.
In total, Launchpad shorts have been recognized at over 17 festivals and won serval awards, including the Casting Society’s Artios Award. They have also been nominated for four NAACP Image Awards.
![Launchpad](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disney-Launchpad-2.jpg)
![Launchpad](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disney-Launchpad-2.jpg)
Photo: Disney
To learn more about the Launchpad program, visit Launchpad.Disney.com.