Disney+ has opened the submission window for the third round of Launchpad, its live-action short film incubator for writers and directors representing diverse cultural backgrounds and unique creative perspectives. 

The program is accepting applications until June 2, and its incubation process begins in December. Only three submissions will be selected in round three to be produced for Disney+, following seven in round two (2023) and six in round one (2021). 

Submissions must include an essay, a directing sample or short film script, the creator’s resumé and several required legal agreements. More information is available on the Launchpad website.  

Round three submissions should reflect the theme “forward” in some way, the idea being to help Disney “spring forward into hope and optimism through its storytelling,” according to Mahin Ibrahim, Disney’s director of creative talent pathways, representation and inclusion strategies.

Each finalist in the year-long program will be paired with executive mentors from Disney who will coach them through the studio’s creative collaboration process. This year, the incubator is upping its focus on job opportunities within Disney and setting talent up for future success, says Launchpad’s senior manager and producer Phillip Yaw Domfeh.

Many alumni from the program’s first two rounds have gone on to secure permanent employment at the Mouse House. Some have also participated in other Disney programs such as the Disney Directing Program, contributing to episodes of kids series including High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Erica Eng, who directed round two’s The Ghost (pictured), says she was able to sharpen her skills in stunt work and VFX by working closely with Industrial Light and Magic as a participant.

Along with being featured on Disney+, the program’s shorts have collectively been recognized at more than 17 film festivals worldwide. And other accolades they’ve racked up include four NAACP Image Award nominations—two this year for Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series (Jessica Mikayla in Project CC and Seth Carr in Black Belts, both from Launchpad round two).