Disney+ confirmed that a second season is forthcoming for the LAUNCHPAD live-action shorts series that debuted in 2021. Season two features six writers, five directors, and one director/writer from underrepresented backgrounds. Selected from almost 2000 applicants, these filmmakers will have the opportunity to share their creative visions.
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.”
The goal of Disney’s LAUNCHPAD continues to be diversifying the types of stories that are being told and to give access to those who have historically not had it.
LAUNCHPAD SEASON 2
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.
See it for Yourself
LAUNCHPAD season two is expected to debut on Disney+ in 2023.
MORE INFO: WATCH: All six trailers released for inaugural season of Disney’s LAUNCHPAD short films #DisneyPlus
