Abigail Disney and Killer Content are joining forces to support projects from women and people of color. Variety reports that filmmaker and philanthropist Disney and media company Killer Content have begun Level Forward, a startup studio that will spotlight female and non-white voices.
“The best stories are birthed from the authentic experiences of the people who tell them,” said Disney. “Level Forward is committed to the vision of unlocking and amplifying storytelling from all corners and perspectives.”
Level Forward will provide its creative partners “a hub for producing a range of content for all platforms.” The new studio will absorb Killer Content’s assets, including Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler’s Killer Films, and launch a fund for victims of sexual misconduct with the New York Women’s Foundation. Level Forward is expected to introduce its first creative partners at Sundance next week.
The idea for Level Forward originated when Disney, Killer Content, and the New York Women’s Foundation made a joint bid for The Weinstein Company in November. The coalition called themselves Project Level Forward, in reference to leveling the playing field for everyone in Hollywood.
“Today we are ‘Level Forward,’ tomorrow just ‘Forward.’ Until then, we will commit to our industry’s collaborative and ongoing imperative to level the playing field and support the creation of positive go-forward structures,” Killer Content CEO Adrienne Becker stated.
As part of its mission, Level Forward is promising equal pay for its partners. The studio, which has been established as a Public Benefit Corporation, will also boost the voices behind its projects via marketing and social outreach campaigns.
Disney directed the 2015 doc “Armor of Light,” an exploration of the overlap of Evangelical Christianity and gun culture. “My advice to female directors is not to wait until you feel like your ideas have been pre-certified or until you think you’ve gotten some approval for them. Then it’s too late!” she said in an interview with us. “Follow your gut. That’s hard to do, but the only way to be original.” Disney has produced dozens of films including Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson” and Karyn Kusama’s “The Invitation.”
“Carol” and “Beatriz at Dinner” are among Killer Films’ productions.
