Another major win for Black representation in the media!
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick just announced a new first-look partnership deal with Walt Disney, Variety reports.
Kaepernick’s Ra Vision Media production company will be partnering with Disney to develop scripted and unscripted stories focusing on race, social justice and equity. The partnership will extend across the company’s platforms including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated, which highlights race in sports. Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated to expand Disney’s imprint there, beginning with a docuseries about his pivot from athlete to activist, produced by former ESPN host Jemele Hill.
“I am excited to announce the historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives. I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
The new series about Kaepernick’s life will feature interviews, archival footage and never before seen documents and material to tell his story. Senior vice president and editor in chief of The Undefeated, Kevin Merida will executive produce alongside Hill. “We want to continue to call attention to the issues of racial injustice that America is wrestling with, and do that in new, compelling ways,” Merida said of the partnership with Kaepernick.
ESPN president Jimmy Piatro also spoke of the new deal saying, “Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice, it feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations.”
Disney’s executive chairman Bob Iger echoed those sentiments, saying, “[Kaepernick’s experience] gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”
This is just another example of Kaepernick expanding his imprint in media and entertainment. He was also recently named to the board of directors at popular online publishing company, Medium, will he will focus on content creation.
“I have always known Colin is on the right side of history and this is an opportunity to make sure history continues to always reflect that. Colin’s vision for this collaboration isn’t just about content, but empowerment. He was adamant that his work be surrounded by Black and brown voices. It also was important for me to use my influence to elevate these voices, particularly inside of ESPN. I am truly grateful,” Hill tweeted.
Colin’s vision for this collaboration isn’t just about content, but empowerment. He was adamant that his work be surrounded by black and brown voices. It also was important for me to use my influence to elevate these voices, particularly inside of ESPN. I am truly grateful.
advertisement— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 6, 2020
Congratulations Colin! We can’t wait to see what comes of this!
Photo Courtesy of Carmen Mandato/Getty Images