As part of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative to empower the next generation of storytellers and innovators, The Walt Disney Company has signed on as a Founding Partner of the Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet Fund. Through social investments and collaborations such as this, Disney is increasing access to careers in storytelling and innovation for those who have been historically underrepresented.
From arts and STEM programs for school-age children to scholarships, storytelling, and technical skills-building programs for teens and young adults, Disney is helping today’s youth to pursue their dreams, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.
The Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet Fund, established by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Bryan Lourd, supports The Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet, a specialized academy created to drive transformational change across the industry by building a more inclusive pipeline of historically underrepresented college- and career-ready students pursuing below-the-line careers in film and television. Disney has joined other companies in collectively committing more than $4 million to the school, which opened in August 2022 with 150 students.
The Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet provides Los Angeles Unified teachers with access to renowned storytellers, industry professionals, and experts, and supports students with a robust academic education and practical training, providing a foundational understanding of the media and entertainment industry while preparing them for below-the-line professions. The magnet opened with ninth and 10th grade students and will include grades 11 and 12 in the next two years, with the potential opportunity to expand the pilot program throughout the Los Angeles school district.
For more information on Disney Future Storytellers, click here.