Actor Kent Boyd, acclaimed choreographer Christopher Scott, and Imagen Award-winning director Francisco Lorite and producing partner Freddy Rodriguez are among the creators of 12 original short-form movies from authentic new storytellers, in a range of genres from irreverent comedy to mystery adventure with unique visual styles, debuting as “Free Period” on the Disney Channel app for mobile and connected TV devices on FRIDAY, AUGUST 5. “Free Period” movies will roll out daily on the Disney Channel YouTube page Friday, August 5 through Thursday, August 18.
The diverse group of writers, producers and directors have varying creative backgrounds. They are: award-winning writers and directors Jonathan Langager (“Josephine and the Roach”), Joe Swanson (“Zombo”) and Camille Stochitch (“Interstate”); feature film writers Ryan Landels (“Jem and the Holograms”) and John Swetnam (“Step Up All In,” “Into the Storm”); comedienne Dahéli Hall (“MADtv”); acclaimed choreographer Christopher Scott (“Teen Beach Movie,” “Step Up All In”); editor and director Viet Nguyen (“iZombie”); “Teen Beach Movie” star Kent Boyd; Imagen Award-winning director Francisco Lorite (“Cuco Gomez-Gomez is Dead!”) and his producing partner Freddy Rodriguez (actor – “Six Feet Under,” “Ugly Betty”), and stunt coordinator Mitchell Gould (“Kickin’ It,” “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything,” “K.C. Undercover”), among others.
Disney stars including Leo Howard (“Kickin’ It”) and “Teen Beach Movie” stars Garrett Clayton, Chrissie Fit, John Deluca and Mollee Gray are among some of the actors featured in the movies.
The “Free Period” movies are:
“Abby Normal”
Abigail “Abby” Normal and her cousin Zoe embark on a secret mission to investigate their strange neighbor across the street. Ryan Landels (“Jem and the Holograms”) serves as writer and director.
“Arcanum”
A young teen seeks a mystical artifact to save the world from an ancient evil, but the mysterious librarian who owns it has other plans. Stunt coordinator Mitchell Gould (“Kickin’ It,” “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything,” “K.C. Undercover”) serves as writer and director. Popular teen actor and martial artist Leo Howard (“Kickin’ It”) stars.
“Exchange”
When their study abroad program is cancelled, a teen girl suggests her classmates spend a week at each other’s houses instead. Actress Dahéli Hall (“MADtv”) serves as writer and director.
“Free Period”
Outrageous acts of randomness spring from Kent’s mind during the one class he’s allowed to let his imagination run wild. “Teen Beach Movie” star Kent Boyd and Zoe Katz serve as writers and producers; “Teen Beach Movie” stars Garrett Clayton, Chrissie Fit, John Deluca, Mollee Gray and Kent Boyd are among the cast.
“Hamburger High”
Lisa Pizza, a slice of pepperoni pizza, navigates her way through high school. Student Emmy Award-winner Joe Swanson (“Zombo”) is the writer and first-time director.
“How To Catch A Ghost”
After her family moves into a new home, a teen girl is surprised to find it filled with ghosts who love to dance. Acclaimed choreographer Christopher Scott (“Teen Beach Movie,” “Step Up All In”) is writer and director.
“Nelson Bixby Takes On the Whole Wide World”
Nelson Bixby, a shy 11-year-old boy, gets unexpected help and advice from the ghost of a famous Mexican wrestler named “El Nino!” Imagen Award-winning director Francisco Lorite (“Cuco Gomez-Gomez is Dead!”) serves as writer and director; Freddy Rodriguez (actor – “Six Feet Under,” “Ugly Betty”) is executive producer.
“Nu Skool Records”
A group of teens launch their own record label on campus to create viral music video stars. John Swetnam (“Step Up All In,” “Into the Storm”) serves as writer and producer. Matt Pizzano, whose short film “Becoming: Bradley Theodore” played at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, directs.
“Parker and the Crew”
A team of kids come together to pull the “ultimate heist” and stop the neighborhood bullies from ruining summer. Viet Nguyen (“Crush the Skull”) serves as writer and director; Chris Dinh serves as writer and producer; produced by Justin Lin’s (“Fast and the Furious 6″) YOMYOMF production company.
“Penelope In the Treehouse”
Upset with her family, a girl uses magic fertilizer on her treehouse and finds herself high amongst the clouds. Written and directed by Student Academy Award-winner Jonathan Langager (“Josephine and the Roach”).
“Trunk”
After two brothers discover a trunk that transforms toys into real-life people, they accidentally ignite a power struggle that endangers their and their town’s lives. It is written and directed by Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky. Lipovsky is co-executive producer of Disney XD’s upcoming live-action series “MECH X-4.” Stein and Lipovsky have both also directed multiple episodes of “MECH X-4.”
“Virtual High”
Sophia and her colleagues attend Virtual High, a school that lives entirely in a virtual world. The students experience the same adventures and mysteries high school offers, but in their world anything is possible. Camille Stochitch and Alexander Berman serve as writers and directors. Stochitch won a Student Academy Award for her short “Interstate,” which was also nominated for a Student BAFTA Award. Berman’s short “App” premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival.
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family-inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series, movies and short form. Currently available on basic cable and satellite in over 92 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney|ABC Television Group. Disney Channel-branded content spans television, online, mobile, VOD platforms and the Disney Channel App. Disney Channels Worldwide is a global portfolio of 116 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 163 countries/territories, in 34 languages.
