One of Disney+’s biggest bonuses has been how the company has used the streaming service to help build out its library by allowing creatives to stretch themselves to create brand-new shorts. Disney has three programs: Pixar’s “Sparkshorts,” Disney Animation’s “Short Circuit,” and Walt Disney Studios’ “Launchpad.”

Today, Walt Disney Studios announced plans for a third season of Disney’s “Launchpad.” Launchpad is the company’s live-action shorts program, dedicated to fostering emerging talent and amplifying diverse voices in filmmaking. The program invites aspiring writers and directors from underrepresented backgrounds or those with a unique perspective to produce a short as part of the Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator program.

Started in 2021, Disney’s “Launchpad” aims to build a more inclusive entertainment industry by fostering the next generation of storytellers. Under the purview of the Disney Launchpad Producer, selected filmmakers will work to deliver live-action short films for possible exhibitions on Disney+.

Erica Eng, who is the director of the short, “The Ghost”, said in a statement regarding the renewal:

“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.  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.”

As part of the 12-month program, each filmmaker will be paired with Disney creative executives who will mentor them as they embark on a training program centred on teaching creative collaboration within the Disney Studio system. The forthcoming season will feature a curated selection of three films tied to the theme of “Forward.”

Phillip Yaw Domfeh, Sr. Manager and Producer of Disney “Launchpad”, added:

“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”.

With Mahin Ibrahim, Director of Creative Talent Pathways, Representation & Inclusion Strategies adding:

“Season three brings a new theme of forward, where we’re looking to spring forward into hope and optimism through our storytelling”

Previous “Launchpad” seasons have garnered recognition from the entertainment industry, with a growing list of accolades year-over-year.  All of these are available to stream on Disney+.

Cumulatively, the shorts have been recognized at over 17 festivals, have received four NAACP Image Award nominations, and have won several awards, including the Casting Society’s prestigious Artios Award.

Additionally, “Launchpad” alumni have proven incredibly talented and successful in the industry. Alumni have landed permanent roles and have gone on to participate in additional Disney programs such as the Disney Directing Program, directing episodes of highly acclaimed series like “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and “General Hospital”.

Disney has announced that submissions are now open through June 2nd, 2024, and these applications will be considered for season three.  Program and application details and full eligibility criteria are available at Launchpad.Disney.com.

Are you looking forward to the return of “Launchpad”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

View all posts