Launchpad Season 2 takes flight

Oct 3, 2023

Panavision and Light Iron provide end-to-end services for the second season of Disney’s Launchpad.

Now streaming on Disney+, Launchpad Season 2 comprises six original live-action short films from underrepresented filmmakers whose unique voices bring new perspectives to storytelling. Disney’s Launchpad program, which kicked off with Season 1 in 2021, aims to diversify the types of stories being told by giving access to those who historically have not had it.

Season 2 showcases the perspectives and creative visions of six writers, five directors and one writer-director from underrepresented backgrounds. The filmmakers were selected from almost 2,000 applicants, and each filmmaker was paired with a senior Disney creative executive who helped guide them through the creation of their projects.

“The filmmakers of Disney Launchpad Season 2 have taken their storytelling to new heights by developing six imaginative and inspiring stories for Disney+,” says Phillip Domfeh, senior manager and producer of Disney Launchpad.

Inspired by life’s journey, the six projects that comprise Season 2 are based on the theme of “connection.” The six shorts are: Beautiful, FL, directed by Gabriela Ortega and written by Joel Perez and Adrian Ferbeyre; Black Belts, directed by Spencer Glover, who cowrote with Xavier Stiles; The Ghost, directed by Erica Eng and written by Kevin Jihyek Park; Maxine, written and directed by Niki Ang; Project CC, directed by Cashmere Jasmine and written by Jasmine Johnson; and The Roof, directed by Alexander Bocchieri and written by W.A.W. Parker.

Panavision has provided the camera and lens packages for all of Launchpad Season 1 and Season 2, and Light Iron provided dailies, final colour and finishing services for all of Season 2. “Panavision and Light Iron are proud to support the incredibly talented filmmakers of the Launchpad program’s second season,” says Panavision President and CEO Kim Snyder. “We’re passionate about empowering storytellers from underrepresented communities by providing access to the tools and expertise that can support their creative visions throughout production and post.”