Disney has signed a "first-look" deal with Colin Kaepernick’s production company, Ra Vision Media, that will see scripted and unscripted shows produced for all Disney platforms, including ESPN. A formal announcement will be made today; the terms of the deal have not been released. The first project will be a docu-series chronicling the last five years of Kaepernick’s life, including his last season with the 49ers and his attempts to land with a new team. ESPN’s Libby Geist, Kevin Merida and Connor Schell are listed as executive producers on that project. Kaepernick also hired former ESPN personality Jemele Hill to be a producer on it. The first-look deal will result in shows “that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers,” according to a Disney release. “Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated, which is expanding its portfolio across Disney, to develop stories from the perspective of Black and Brown communities.” Content from the deal will be produced for Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated. Disney Exec Chair Bob Iger in the release says, “Colin’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.” Kaepernick in the release says that the projects will “elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers and producers and ... inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives.”
