SIX filmmakers from diverse backgrounds share their original stories in Disney’s new initiative of cultivating dynamic storytelling through the Launchpad series.
Selected out of more than 1,100 applicants across the United States, the opportunity marks the studio’s commitment to allowing aspiring creatives to share their perspectives and creative visions on a wider and global platform.
It is also a chance to diversify the types of stories that are being told and to give access to those who have historically not had it by a new generation of storytellers.
Among the directors are Los Angeles-based Aqsa Altaf (‘American Eid’) who has Pakistani and Sri-Lankan heritage, 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment honouree Hao Zheng (‘Dinner Is Served’), and Mexican-American writer and director Ann Marie Pace (‘Growing Fangs’).
Others include writer and director of mixed indigenous Sonoran and European descent Jessica Mendez Siqueiros (‘The Last of the Chupacabras’), Lincoln Center Directors Lab member and theatre director Stefanie Abel Horowitz (‘Let’s Be Tigers’) and Hunan queer non-binary filmmaker Moxie Peng (‘The Little Prince(ss)’).
To carry out their project, each of the shortlisted filmmakers fresh to the industry had the advantage of being assigned with executive mentors respectively from the various known studio brand units. This includes Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney+, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and Pixar.
“Launchpad was really an incredible experience, and as a mentor, I feel so lucky to have been part of something that feels like there is actually a shift in culture and perspective at this company,” said Disney Branded Television director of development Karen Chau.
“I learned that it is possible to go beyond the dialogue and to be part of the movement that is trying to move our company in a better direction.
“I have learned so much and honestly feel that I was the mentee just as much as I was the mentor. It is something I hope that each development executive had the equal experience of being part of something dedicated and committed to bringing about genuine change within these antiquated institutions and systems,” she added.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production streaming president Vanessa Morrison said: “It has been an honour and a joy to participate in the Launchpad programme with our inspiring group of directors and the committed team around them."
“Launchpad serves as an example of the power of inclusive storytelling and reinforces the fundamental importance of diverse voices whose stories must be seen and supported,” she added.
The pilot series also features original scoring, in which the filmmakers were open to choose to work with either composers they are familiar with or new collaborations. – The Vibes, May 24, 2021
*Follow The Vibes for more information on Disney’s ‘Launchpad’ short film collection.
