Disney, in partnership with United Nations Foundation’s “Girl Up”, is launching the “Dream Big Princess” initiative, a program that aims to help young women from across the globe break into the film business.
As reported by Variety, Disney, has chosen 21 women from across 13 countries to develop digital short films about women who inspire them. So far, the company has remained fairly quiet when it comes to who will be depicted in the films. Variety suggests the documentary-style shorts will tell the stories of “real women working in various industries, including entertainment, sports, government, science, and philanthropy.”
Disney, however, did release a statement saying Jennifer Lee, the company’s present CCO, will be the subject of one of the films.
Lee, who also wrote, directed, and won an Oscar for Disney’s ’Frozen’, said, “using the journeys of characters like Anna, Elsa and Moana to inspire kids to dream big is at the very heart of what all of us at Disney do.” She goes on to say that Disney’s Dream Big Princess initiative,
“is the perfect extension of that vision, providing a powerful platform for the next generation of aspiring filmmakers to create content about the women who have inspired them.”
Fittingly, Apple – a company that has a long and rich history of intermingling with Disney – is also pitching in. The company will provide participants with an iPhone X, a MacBook Pro, and its Final Cut X editing software. In addition, Apple will provide technical experts to teach the up-and-coming filmmakers how to best use its products.
Starting October 10th, Disney will begin publishing the films through various social media platforms. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company plans to donate $1 for each like or share these short stories generate via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Regardless of reception, Girl Up will receive a minimum donation of $500,000.